do birth control pills hurt a baby?

[JenAce3]

If there's a possibility that someone could be pregnant, but they won't know for a few weeks because thats when their period is supposed to come, and they're on the pilll, could thepill hurt the baby, if there is one? should they stop taking the pill, even if they aren't sure that they are pregnant?

[Deidre]

It may vary from pill to pill (check the box), but as far as I know it is constructed not to (as is the emergency contraceptive pill).
I wouldn't take my word for it, though. In a matter like this it's best to contact someone with an education on the matter (no matter how sure everyone here is) and discuss the particular pill involved, and possible risks. It may be made up not to hurt the egg/embryo, but that doesn't mean it may not have side effects that effect another area that may complicate pregnancy.

[BigJim]

There is a very slight chance that you will become pregnant even if you take the Pill.

However, a missed period does not always mean you are pregnant, especially if you have not skipped any pills. But see your clinician if you miss a second period.

It is unlikely that taking the Pill during early pregnancy will increase the risk of defects in the fetus. However, the likelihood of tubal pregnancy is greater if you become pregnant while taking the progestin-only pill.

If you want to become pregnant, stop taking the Pill. If you want to plan the timing of your pregnancy, use another form of birth control until your period becomes regular. It usually takes about one to three months for your period to return to the cycle you had before taking the Pill.

After childbirth, your clinician can help you decide when to take the Pill again.

Progestin-only pills will not affect your milk during nursing. Combination pills may reduce the amount and quality of milk in the first six weeks of breastfeeding. Also, the milk will contain traces of the Pill's hormones. It is unlikely that these hormones will have any effect on your child.

(from www.plannedparenthood.org)

[Tortuga]

In my package of instructions with orthotri-cyclen, it says if I think I might be pregnant to stop taking pills.

Tortuga

[kuju]

of course... that also means STOP HAVING SEX until you're sure, and have gone back on for a month.

[Dreamer]

The pill I take is designed to clear problem skin first, and act as a contraceptive second... It has powerful androgens that work against male hormones and would harm the development of male babies, the instructions say to stop taking them immediately if you suspect that you are pregnant.

If you suspect that you are pregnant get tested ASAP