what happens if you take the morning after pill if you are already pregnant?
What Happens If You Take the Morning After Pill If You Are Already Pregnant?
When it comes to emergency contraception, commonly known as the morning after pill, many women have questions about its effectiveness and safety. One of the frequently asked questions is what happens if you take the morning after pill when you are already pregnant. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the possible outcomes in such situations.
Understanding the Morning After Pill
The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breakage or missed birth control pills. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, which can inhibit ovulation, impede fertilization, or interfere with implantation.
The Purpose of the Morning After Pill
The morning after pill is intended to prevent pregnancy before it occurs by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. If fertilization has already taken place, the morning after pill will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Effectiveness of the Morning After Pill
When taken within 72 hours (levonorgestrel) or 120 hours (ulipristal acetate) after unprotected sex, the morning after pill is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. However, its effectiveness diminishes as time passes, so it is important to take it as soon as possible. Despite its efficiency, there is still a small chance of pregnancy even when the pill is taken correctly.
What Happens If You Take the Morning After Pill While Already Pregnant?
If you take the morning after pill when you are already pregnant, it will not cause harm to the pregnancy or the fetus. The morning after pill is not an abortion pill and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. Its mechanisms of action are not designed to disrupt an already established pregnancy.
However, it is essential to remember that if you suspect you might be pregnant or have confirmed your pregnancy prior to taking the morning after pill, it is unnecessary to take it. The morning after pill is only effective in preventing pregnancy if taken before fertilization occurs.
Possible Side Effects
While the morning after pill is generally safe, it may cause some temporary side effects. These may include nausea, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, or changes in your menstrual cycle. If you experience severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding, it is advisable to seek medical assistance as these symptoms may not be related to the pill but could indicate an underlying issue.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you have taken the morning after pill and experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about the efficacy of the pill, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and address any worries you may have.
Final Thoughts
The morning after pill is a safe and effective method of emergency contraception when used correctly and within the appropriate timeframe. If you are already pregnant, taking the morning after pill will not cause harm to the pregnancy or the developing fetus. However, it is important to remember that the morning after pill should only be used to prevent pregnancy before it occurs and is not meant to terminate an existing pregnancy.
