Most birth control pills work by utilizing synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation or to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. According to the American Pregnancy Association, birth control pills are 99 percent effective when started on time and no pills are missed. However, women may become pregnant while using birth control pills. If pregnancy is suspected, a health care provider should be contacted immediately.
No Increased Risk of Birth Defects
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, using birth control pills during pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects.
No Clear Link to Miscarriage
MayoClinic.com reports that physician's fears in the past regarding possible miscarriage if the use of birth control pills coincided too closely with pregnancy have been discovered as false. It appears the connection to birth control use and miscarriage is minimal.
Estrogen
Even though the use of birth control pills does not seem to be linked to miscarriage or birth defects, exposure to estrogen should be limited, according to MayoClinic.com. Estrogen is a strong hormone and should be used with great caution. While the strength of estrogen in birth control pills is mild, other medications with stronger doses of estrogen have been linked to certain types of cancer. Taking birth control pills should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is confirmed by a health care provider.
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