What if I got pregnant while using birth control?

What if I got pregnant while using birth control? Would I even know?

Yes, it happens. Sometimes, birth control methods fail.

Would it be dangerous to me? To my baby?

Some reassuring news-

"Taking birth control pills during early pregnancy isn't thought to increase the risk of birth defects."
- Roger W. Harms, M.D., Mayo Clinic

Other precautions

"It might be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of pregnancy if you become pregnant while taking the minipill (progestin-only birth control pill) because nausea, breast tenderness and irregular menstrual bleeding — common signs and symptoms of pregnancy — are also possible side effects of the minipill. In addition, if you do conceive while taking the minipill there's a slightly higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

(Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency- get medical help asap if you suspect this.)

"As a precaution, stop taking birth control pills if you suspect you're pregnant. Until the pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out, use another method of birth control — such as condoms. If you're concerned because you took birth control pills before you knew you were pregnant, be assured that there's little risk. It's always important to discuss any medication use during pregnancy with your health care provider, however."

-Robert W Harms, MD, Mayo Clinic

Here are some others signs that you may have become pregnant while using birth control

(It can be hard to tell, so as soon as you suspect it, consult a physician.)

Remember to get seen by a medical doctor as soon as possible. 

Come by 1st Way to get a free pregnancy test and a free ultrasound.

Visit us here- 
1667 High Street
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Call 541.687.8651
Email  firstwayeugene@gmail.com

Pregnant in College Survival Guide

When women become pregnant in college, they often feel alone and misunderstood. In today's world, women aren't shunned  the way they once were, but still many women wonder what they will do and how they will cope with such a major change in their lives. Many are worried they just can't do it- It's too much. These feelings are normal.

Collegecures.com has a couple of good articles about this very subject. The article below is about how to find resources at whatever school you're in, and how to think through common concerns, such as where will you live? What will you do about health care?

Pregnant in College? How to Attend College with a Baby Bump.

This  article (below) is more about what to do in those first moments of shock when you realize you're pregnant when you absolutely didn't plan to be. How do you talk to your parents, friends, the baby's father? How do you take care of yourself at a time like this?

Pregnant and in College Survival Guide

One last article, a realistic  story of a SF State student who balanced college and pregnancy. She describes her experience and what it was like. Good to read to get a sense of what might be in store.

Pregnancy SF Student's article

When you're pregnant in college when you didn't plan to be, the realization can turn your whole world upside-down. After all, you went to college to learn so you can develop a career. How would pregnancy affect that?  Take a look at the articles above. I hope you find some helpful answers to your questions!

If you live in Eugene, Oregon, come visit us at our Pregnancy Resource Center on 1667 High Street in Eugene. Also, visit our website at 1st-way.org or call 541.687.8651. We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. We'll be happy to help you!