My Birth Control Failed: What Do I Do?

No method of birth control or contraception can completely prevent pregnancy. If you’re seeing a positive result on your at-home pregnancy test, then it’s clear your birth control failed.

While this can be extremely nerve-racking, know that you are not alone. Many women find themselves experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and visit First Care for support.

Here are some next steps to take after discovering you are pregnant despite using birth control.

1. Confirm Your Pregnancy

A positive pregnancy test doesn’t tell the full story. It’s possible to have a positive test and then learn that there are complications with your pregnancy. Only an ultrasound scan can confirm the viability and location of your pregnancy.

About 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs when the pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week of pregnancy.

About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic, which happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is non-viable, meaning it cannot be carried to term and survive. It can also be potentially life-threatening.

An ultrasound scan can screen for either of these complications by detecting a heartbeat and verifying the location of your pregnancy. It’s critical to receive an ultrasound, no matter the options you are considering, so that you can be informed and protect your health.

2. Learn Your Gestational Age

An ultrasound can also tell you how far along you are, which is important for all three of your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.

For parenting and adoption, you will learn your probable due date, allowing you to plan ahead.

If you’re considering an abortion, knowing the pregnancy’s gestational age will determine your available abortion options. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After that, you would have to opt for another type of abortion.

3. Weigh Your Options

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy’s viability, location, and gestational age, you can start weighing and assessing your options. You might not know what to do at first, but looking into each option can bring clarity.

Ask yourself questions like “Could I see myself choosing this option?” or “What would my future look like if I picked this?”

Then, take stock of your resources. If you are considering parenting but feel it’s too difficult or expensive, many organizations like ours are ready to provide support, classes, and supplies.

Choose for yourself. The decision will impact you more than anyone else.

Start with First Care

First Care offers 100% free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. We are here to support you as you consider what to do next.

Schedule an appointment