The Effects of Birth Control Pills on a Developing Fetus

The birth control pill keeps a woman's egg from being released each month, and it also makes it difficult for sperm to reach any eggs that may have been released. Couples may experience an accidental pregnancy while taking birth control pills. When this occurs, many women are concerned about the potential effect the pill could have on the developing fetus.

Considerations

• The birth control pill is 92 to 99.7 percent effective, according to Contraceptive Technology. The main reason pregnancy occurs with the pill is because dosages are skipped.

Female Sexual Organs

• Developmental problems can sometimes be seen in a female infant's sexual organs if the mother has taken birth control pills during pregnancy, according to MayoClinic.com.

Birth Weight

• One concern associated with taking the pill during pregnancy is the effect it could have on the baby's birth weight. There may be an association between birth control pills and an increased risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight, according to MayoClinic.com.

Prostate and Bladder

• The University of Missouri in Columbia discovered that taking birth control pills could lead to deformity in the prostates of developing embryos. This can increase the baby's risk of developing bladder or prostate problems later in life.

Expert Insight

• According to MayoClinic.com, a person who has taken birth control pills while pregnant should not panic. There is little evidence that taking birth control pills while pregnant will cause major birth defects in most cases.

Warning

• The best course of action is stopping the use of the pill if you suspect a pregnancy. Consult your doctor about any possible risks.