- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
More answers
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- Aspirin during pregnancy: Is it safe?
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- Headaches during pregnancy: What can I do about them?
- Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Early miscarriage: Is stress a factor?
- Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Are there safe treatments?
- Morning sickness: When is it a concern?
- Antibiotics and pregnancy
- Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
- Low amniotic fluid: Should I worry?
- Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
- Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
- Low birth weight: What does it mean?
- see all
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Question
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.
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
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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