Birth Defects Caused by Exposure to the Birth Control Pill

Updated on April 25, 2012
S.A. asks from Chicago, IL
8 answers

Here's my situation. My husband and I had intercourse on Sunday morning. Right afterwards, I realized I had forgotten to take my pill the night before. I ran downstairs to take it, then to my horror, realized that somehow I'd forgotten to take it Friday night as well!!!! So now I feel like there is a decent chance I could become pregnant this month. I followed the instructions in the leaflet for what to do about missed pills and it said to take two every day until next Sunday and then throw them out and start a new pack. But it also says that any missed doses could cause pregnancy. If there is any chance of pregnancy, shouldn't I just stop taking the pill and use a back up method? Doesn't exposure to the bc pill cause potential birth defects???

Have any of you gotten pregnant while on the pill and had a normal, healthy baby?

Thanks in advance

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone! I'm not so worried about potential birth defects now if I am pregnant. I am still very worried about the potential pregnancy. The two pills i missed were during the first week. How irresponsible of me! But, if I am indeed pregnant, we will deal with having a fourth child. We can support a fourth, it would just be a lot to deal with.

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

I do know some women that got pregnant while on the pill, by forgetting to take it or because it happened. I have also heard about bc defects but I think it was the old pill when hormone levels were pretty high. Pills today are much different and safer than they were way back when. I wouldn't worry.

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H.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think the chances of birth defects are very low if you get pregnant while taking the pill. Many people have gotten pregnant while taking it. I believe ovulation can occur if you have gone with out the pill for more than 7 days, which is why should always start a new pack on time after having your period. You might want to call your OB/Gyn or even a pharmacist they may can explain it better.

3 moms found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

Yes, tons of pregnancies of healthy babies happen that way.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.L.

answers from Dallas on

I got pregnant while on the Nuva Ring once and didn't realize it for several weeks and have a wonderful, healthy, happy baby boy now. I'm sure there are small statistics in which things can happen, but I doubt you're in any real danger after only a couple of days. Just in case, I would switch to another form of bc (condoms) until you know you're in the clear, but don't fret about what has already happened!

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S.G.

answers from Norfolk on

Please stop worrying. That's much worse for the baby-that-may-be than getting pregnant on the pill.
You should know that not only can you get pregnant if you miss doses, you can also get pregnant if you take the pill exactly as prescribed. When people are doin' it...a baby can result despite all of our machinations.
Women get pregnant on the pill and go on to have normal heatlhy babies.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

My two youngest boys were conceived on the pill and they are both just fine.

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

I don't recall every reading that there are potential birth defects as a result of continuing to take the pill after conception. Did you read that on the package? Ask your doctor.

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B.F.

answers from San Francisco on

You should be fine, but call your doctor for some additional reassurance.

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