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How Does Pregnancy Occur While on Birth Control Pills?

Thursday, April 23, 2009
 

Instructions

What Are Birth Control Pills?

  • Step 1:
    Birth control pills, otherwise known as the combined oral contraceptive pill, are sometimes called simply "the pill." It delivers a mixture of progestin and estrogen that can provide benefits for women who take it, including lighter periods, clearer skin, more regular cycles and better moods. Birth control pills also prevent ovulation, so there is no egg available to be fertilized. Women may be on birth control for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, but that is the main reason the pill is marketed.

Pill Failure

  • Step 1:
    It is possible for an egg to drop into the uterus while you are taking the pill. The most common reason for this is a missed dose. If you miss a dose, do not be alarmed. Follow the instructions that come with your birth control prescription, which usually say to take two pills the next day and continue taking them normally after that. If you miss more than one day, continue to follow the directions according to your particular brand of birth control, but be aware that you may ovulate after missing too many days of your pill. If you are feeling particularly nauseated or ill while taking birth control, it may be a side effect of the medication, but it also may be a sign that you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

Warning About Birth Control Pills

  • Step 1:
    If you are unaware that you have become pregnant while you are taking birth control and you continue to take the pill, your child may develop birth defects. It is important that you remember that it is not impossible to become pregnant while taking the pill, especially if you do not use it perfectly. Even with perfect use, about 1 in 1,000 women (depending on which pill you are taking) become pregnant after a year of regular use. If you are feeling strange, it is better to report it to your doctor than damage your baby's health in the long run.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

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