What happens when you take birth control pills while pregnant?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Can you take birth control pills while pregnant? Research shows that taking birth control pills during early pregnancy is not linked to an increased risk of birth defects or miscarriage. However, doctors recommend stopping birth control immediately once pregnancy is confirmed, as continued use offers no benefit and may cause unnecessary hormone exposure.

If you're unsure whether you're pregnant, experiencing unusual symptoms, or worried about how birth control may be affecting your body, don't wait in uncertainty. A free, instant symptom check can help you understand what your body is telling you, identify possible causes, and guide your next steps—whether that's taking a pregnancy test, calling your doctor, or simply gaining peace of mind. It takes just 3 minutes and is backed by medical experts.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if birth control pills affect pregnancy Discover if your pregnancy needs care now Find out what symptoms mean serious concern See OTC options for nausea or spotting Find an OB-GYN for pregnancy questions Understand safe home remedies for pregnancy symptoms Check if birth control pills harmed pregnancy

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Explanation

Taking birth control pills during pregnancy is not usually linked to birth defects. Studies have looked into this and found no strong evidence that these pills cause problems for the baby.

Some studies suggest that using oral contraceptives in pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of major birth defects. Research also indicates there is no clear connection between birth control pills and birth defects. While the possibility of limb deformities has been examined, a strong link has not been established.

Even though these studies show that taking birth control pills by mistake when pregnant is not likely to harm the baby, it is still best to stop taking them once you know you are pregnant. If you have any concerns about pregnancy and medications, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered tool or talk to a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

(References)

Waller DK, Gallaway MS, Taylor LG, Ramadhani TA, Canfield MA, Scheuerle A, et al. (2010). Use of oral contraceptives in pregnancy and major .... Epidemiology (Cambridge, mass.), 20087193.
Janerich DT, Piper JM, & Glebatis DM. (1980). Oral contraceptives and birth defects. American journal of epidemiology, 7395856.
Kricker A, Elliott JW, Forrest JM, & McCredie J. (1986). Congenital limb reduction deformities and use of oral .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 3777050.

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