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Birth control pills: Harmful in early pregnancy?

What happens if you take birth control pills while you're pregnant? I didn't realize I was pregnant and kept taking my birth control pills for several weeks.

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist Roger Harms, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Don't be too concerned that you continued to take birth control pills early in your pregnancy. This is a common occurrence. The good news is that many studies have indicated that the hormones in birth control pills are not harmful to your baby. However, no medication should be taken during pregnancy that has no benefit to you or your baby. So, you should stop taking your birth control pills while you're pregnant and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.

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Oct 10, 2008