This used to be a concern, but there has been no evidence to support it, and currently most medical doctors agree that there is no increased chance of miscarriage in women who become pregnant right after going off the pill.
Q: Why, then, is it recommended to be off of birth control for a few months before trying to conceive?
A: To better track menstruation (and ovulation). Women do not have true periods when taking hormonal contraceptives; it is actually "withdrawal bleeding" from the hormones. When women have a few cycles without the pill, they have a more accurate account of when their periods, and probable ovulation, occurred. This helps your OB/GYN estimate the when conception occurred, more important: the EDD...estimated due date.
Planned Parenthood states, "The Pill does not cause birth defects or affect the health of future children. Even if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the Pill, there is no risk of birth defects due to oral contraceptives."
You can read more myths about the pill at their site, Truth About the Pill.
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This used to be a concern, but there has been no evidence to support it, and currently most medical doctors agree that there is no increased chance of miscarriage in women who become pregnant right after going off the pill.
Q: Why, then, is it recommended to be off of birth control for a few months before trying to conceive?
A: To better track menstruation (and ovulation). Women do not have true periods when taking hormonal contraceptives; it is actually "withdrawal bleeding" from the hormones. When women have a few cycles without the pill, they have a more accurate account of when their periods, and probable ovulation, occurred. This helps your OB/GYN estimate the when conception occurred, more important: the EDD...estimated due date.
Planned Parenthood states, "The Pill does not cause birth defects or affect the health of future children. Even if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the Pill, there is no risk of birth defects due to oral contraceptives."
You can read more myths about the pill at their site, Truth About the Pill.
Does that answer your question?
June 14, 2009 - 6:18amThis Comment
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