Most research suggests that you need not worry.
This article discusses birth control and miscarriage risk.
It explains the potential risks of taking oral contraceptives or using other birth control during pregnancy.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
It also dispels common myths.
It does not increase the risk of birth defects or cause pregnancy complications.
Its important to note that there has not been a lot of research on this subject.
This is not because of oversight or lack of interest.
Medical ethics would not allow research that may place a pregnant person or the fetus in harms way.
There are some common misunderstandings about the difference between birth control and medication abortion pills.
This is not true, and there has never been any evidence to suggest that.
Taking the birth control pill while pregnant doesnt cause a miscarriage.
During early pregnancy, these actions dont contribute to miscarriage or stillbirth.
This is again not true.
These pills have no effect once a fertilized egg has been implanted.
Medication Abortion
There are specific medications that can end a pregnancy if desired.
This is a form ofmedication abortionand is not considered birth control.
A medication abortion works through a different method than hormonal birth control.
Known as Mifeprex (mifepristone) or RU-486, theabortion pillhas been FDA-approved in the United States since 2000.
In April 2023, a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling to suspend its FDA approval.
However, these changes would not take effect until the Supreme Court heard the case again.
Risks of Continuing Birth Control
Some birth control methods can cause harm when used during pregnancy.
Below is a breakdown of common birth control methods and their risks if used during pregnancy.
COCs contain synthetic forms ofestrogenandprogesterone, while progestin-only pills contain only synthetic progesterone.
However, there isnt a higher absolute risk of ectopic pregnancy when compared to using no contraceptive.
Call your healthcare provider immediately to discuss your options.
If you wish to continue the pregnancy, your ob/gyn will likely recommend removing your IUD.
Doing so early in a timely fashion can reduce those risks.
There is no evidence to show using these can cause birth defects or miscarriages if used in early pregnancy.
However, some, like the Nexplanon implant, increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Symptoms can include:
An ectopic pregnancy can rupture a fallopian tube and may need immediate medical attention.
Barrier Methods
There are no risks when using barrier-method birth control during pregnancy.
Using condoms while pregnant can prevent sexually transmitted infections.
However, if you find yourself pregnant, you should discontinue use and talk to your ob/gyn.
Condoms and other barrier birth control methods are safe to use in pregnancy.
IUDs, however, can cause miscarriage and increases the risk of preterm birth.
Intentionally taking hormonal birth control while pregnant will not induce a miscarriage.
If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hypospadias.
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Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(RR-04):47-47.
Food & Drug Administration.Information about mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation.
NPR.The abortion pill mifepristone has another day in federal court.
2022;139(5):764-770. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000004726
Curtis KM, Jatlaoui TC, Tepper NK, et al.U.S.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.
