Pregnancy and IUDs: What You Need to Know

Can you get pregnant with an IUD?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are one of the most effective forms of birth control, with a failure rate of less than 1%. However, it is still possible to get pregnant with an IUD in place, although it is very rare.

How can you get pregnant with an IUD?

There are a few ways that you can get pregnant with an IUD in place:

* The IUD can be expelled. This is the most common way that pregnancies occur with an IUD in place. IUDs can be expelled partially or completely, and either can lead to pregnancy.

* The IUD can be perforated. This occurs when the IUD punctures the wall of the uterus. A perforated IUD can still release hormones, but it can also allow sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.

* The IUD can be misplaced. This occurs when the IUD is not placed in the correct position in the uterus. A misplaced IUD can still release hormones, but it can also be less effective at preventing pregnancy.

What are the risks of getting pregnant with an IUD?

Getting pregnant with an IUD in place can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Risks of pregnancy with IUD in place include:

* Ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment.

* Placental abruption. This is a condition in which the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born. Placental abruption can cause serious bleeding and can also be life-threatening.

* Premature birth. Babies born to mothers who were pregnant with an IUD in place are more likely to be born premature. Premature babies are at risk for a number of health problems, including breathing difficulties, vision problems, and learning disabilities.

* Low birth weight. Babies born to mothers who were pregnant with an IUD in place are more likely to be low birth weight. Low birth weight babies are at risk for a number of health problems, including feeding difficulties, developmental delays, and increased risk of infection.

What should you do if you think you might be pregnant with an IUD?

If you think you might be pregnant with an IUD in place, it is important to see your doctor right away. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and check for any complications.

If you are pregnant with an IUD in place, your doctor will discuss your options with you. These options may include:

* Removing the IUD. This is the most common option, and it can be done in your doctor's office.

* Leaving the IUD in place. This may be an option if the IUD is not causing any problems and you are not at high risk for complications.

* Monitoring the pregnancy closely. This may be an option if you are at low risk for complications and you are willing to have frequent ultrasounds to check on the health of the pregnancy.

Can you get pregnant after you remove your IUD?

Yes, you can get pregnant after you remove your IUD. In fact, you can get pregnant as soon as your IUD is removed, so it is important to start using another form of birth control if you do not want to get pregnant.