Birth Control and birth defects

I on taking Orthotricyclen birth control.  I sometimes forget a pill or two during the month and worry that there is a possibility that I may get pregnant.  I am 22 and have never been pregnant before but I sometimes feel as though I am having symtoms (symptoms) (could just be all in my head).  So my question is, if I do become pregnant but continue taking the birth control until I find out, will it affect my baby?

[southernmiss]

But did she continue taking birth control pills during those four months?

[luv_babies]

My mom was 4 months pregnant with me before she found out and I had/have no birth defects. If you got pregnant, I think you would be fine.

[morethan1luv]

I was a pill baby as well, and my mom was taking birth control pills for about a month or 2 after conception. I have no defects but then again there are so many different types these days. Maybe you should ask your doctor when you get a test. Good luck.

[southernmiss]

Thank you for your comments.

[luv_babies]

Yes she was taking bc the 4 months

[mrs.austin]

i think (not for sure though) that when you take the birth control pills that you are tricking your body into thinking it's already pregnant..thus the "symptoms". my breasts swell up and get tender, i'm really moody, so on. if you actually get pregnant, you are just increasing the hormones your body increases anyway.

ok...that is soooo just a guess. but i figure if there were defects if you take the pill when pregnant, they wouldn't be on the market.

[southernmiss]

My problem is that I want a baby.  I sometimes feel that my body is craving one.  I hope this doesnt sound crazy.  The issue is that I want to finish school first.  I graduate from college in 8 months so I don't want to get pregnant "on purpose."  But if it happens, then that is great.  That is why I sometimes "forget" to take a pill or two.  Am I crazy?

[who_is_this]

If you keep forgetting a pill or two every month, you need to seriously look at whether you need to add another form of birth control to it, such as condoms or a diaphragm, or other barrier method.  

Try rubber banding your pill pack to your toothbrush, assuming you brush your teeth at least once a day.  Or connect it to something else you do every day.  It is not difficult to take one pill a day.  Especially if the consequence for not taking it is life long if you have a baby, or emotionally devastating if you have to another, difficult choice.  

So if you continue to skip them, get some condoms (you should use them anyway if you are not in a long term committed relationship) or use a diaphragm or other back up method.  

It's never the best choice to continue taking the pill if you are pregnant.  It has happened to many women without problems over the decades, but there is always the potential for problems.  So you should try your very best to not let that happen.

[who_is_this]

Not crazy, but not thinking clearly.

Does your partner know you are "forgetting" a pill or two here and there?  Is he a willing participant, or are you planning to spring a "pill baby" on him that he has to pay for for the rest of his life?  That is patently unfair.

If he is your long term partner and really wants one too, you should either take the pill correctly until you are ready to stop, or start using a barrier method.  

Despite the safety record of the pill if taken inadvertently in the first few weeks of pregnancy, there can be complications or effects sometimes.  It is unfair to visit a potential problem on an innocent child just because you can't admit you are secretly trying to have a baby.

  Take your pills correctly, or use a barrier method.  If you have a steady partner, have his consent first before committing him to child support.  Your partner must believe you are taking the pill correctly, and he trusts you to do so.  

[Mertek]

The pill is much different then it was in the 70s, doses are way different, but my sister is a "pill baby" and she had some serious birth defects.

It hasn't been 100% linked to the pill, but my sister's doctors approached my parents about suing the pill manufacturer at the time because the medical bills were so high. My parents declined because they didn't think they could prove it for sure.

My sister was born with half an esophagus that was connected to her lungs and not her stomach. She is also missing a joint in one of her thumbs that renders it useless.

My point is, don't mess with the pill if you are thinking about getting pregnant. Sometimes it turns out fine, sometimes it does not. That is why on the directions that come with the pill it says to stop taking it immediately if you think you might be pregnant. Don't leave that to chance

[JJety]

"forgetting" to take the pill is getting pg on purpose.  I sure hope you know what you're doing...

[southernmiss]

Wow.... you guys don't have to jump down my throat.  I don't do it a lot.  My husband is ready to have a baby.  That is not the problem.  I just want us to finish school but I am torn so I'd rather it be an accident and be happy about it.  I know, it is confusing.  I will not forget anymore, I promise but I will quit taking them as soon as I graduate!  Thanks for the advise everyone!

[who_is_this]

You could have added that you were married.  

Either take it right, or use another method.  That's the take home message.

Sticky happy baby dust to all, peace and happiness.

[Jenny77]

My advice is to definitely finish school. especially if you only have one year to go or 8 months to be exact. Your still pretty young and you'll probably be in a much more stable situation after you graduate than you are now. I am currently in my third trimester and could not even imagine having to go to classes and take finals right now. My DH is in grad school and its hard enough with just him in school. Also, know you med insurance policy concerning pregnancy, it would really suck to have to take out $10,000 in student loans just to pay for the doctor/hospital bills.

[southernmiss]

Thank you Jenny for your refreshing advise and comments.