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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. If I was on the pill and became pregnant before the 2-3 month waiting period after, what effects could that have on the baby?

A. The recommended waiting period is to allow your body to regain its naturalhormonal balance. Some in the alternative health field also say that takingoral contraceptives for an extended period of time can cause your body tobecome deficient in certain nutrients-like B vitamins. The waiting period canallow your body to buld up its nutrient stores again. Today's pills are at amuch lower dose than when they first came into use. A baby conceived whiletaking oral contraceptives will have only a little if any increased chance ofdeveloping congenital abnormalities than a baby conceived without oralcontraceptive exposure. Conception after you have stopped taking the pill butduring the "waiting period" would technically even have less of an effect.Once you discover that you are pregnant, however, you do need to stop takingthe pill. And remember to see your caregiver early for prenatal care.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.