Women's Health Community

Dear MommaNichols: You did not mention if you were using the 1.5/30 version or the lower dose 1.0/20 version. So this answer will be based upon a general review of the literature about taking combination birth control pills (BCPs) when pregnant, OK?

According to a study done in Denmark, about 1% of pregnant women have used BCPs during the initial part of their pregnancies. In the US, BCPs are still the most widely used form of reversible birth control. Thus one would expect to see some obvious, consistent patterns of infant effects. One of the largest studies, published in 1995, looked at some 65,500 women who had infants exposed to BCPs. The primary area of focus was external genital defects, as it was felt that early exposure to synthetic sex hormones (e.g., BCPs), could impact genital development. No increased risk for genital defects was found. Moreover the FDA supports the position that synthetic progesterones found in BCPs did not cause other types of non-genital birth defects.

In 2010, about 10,000 infants with 32 types of birth defects were contrasted to infants without birth defects. Of the 32 types of birth defects only two had statistical links to early pregnancy BCP use (underdeveloped left heart chamber or hole in the abdominal wall). The researchers concluded that those findings may have been by chance, not direct causation. They stated ""026 our findings are consistent with the majority of previous studies that found women who use OCs [oral contraceptives> during early pregnancy have no increased risk for most types of congenital malformations."

There has also been a concern about the risk for having a Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) baby due to prenatal BCP exposure. The weakest study found an increased risk in women under age 34—but no increased risk in women age 34 or older when Down Syndrome babies are more common! Moreover, in a study done by the US Centers for Disease Control, BCP use by itself was not a significant risk factor for Trisomy 21.

Finally, in Korea 120 women who had taken BCPs at the time of conception were matched to 240 women who had not been using BCPs in early pregnancy. After all women had delivered it was determined that there were no differences in the infant weight or age at delivery. In the BCP exposed group the rate of general birth defects was 3.2% compared with 3.6% in the non-exposed group.

Yours,
Jane

Good afternoon,
I was very suprised when I found out I was pregnant with my second child while taking Yazmin. I would like for you to know that my child was born perfectly healthy and we see no physical or mental issues with him. He turned 2 in March and I see side effects of the Mag I was on in the hospital but nothing else. Telling you not to worry is pointless but hopefully this helps.

Dear An: Thanks for taking the time to write us. Often, another woman's personal experience is more meaningful than scientific studies. I appreciate your willingness to share your good outcome.

In Gratitude,
Jane

My mother got pregnant with me and my sister on BCP... I got pregnant with and so did my sister... I personally know I was faithful plus I had taken them for OVER 3 yrs before getting pregnant... I guess my family are the few... NOW, I found out later that OTC and perscription meds could have had a part in in except for me anyway... My sister however was on different meds due to allergies and such... So, there should always be a back up regardless of what you are on or taking... My daughter started with depo and it worked well for her then she started to have "personality" issues which was decided by the doctor was caused by the depo shots... After about 3 or so months of being off depo she was herself again... Now, I don't know what she used but her last failed her also but that could have been user error... It was one of those rings you insert yourself.