Pregnancy After Taking Menstrual Induction Pills: What You Need to Know

The doctor prescribed medication to induce menstruation, but it was only after taking the medication that I discovered I was pregnant?

Hello, I gave birth in November 2018 and continued breastfeeding until mid-October 2019 (not exclusively breastfeeding).
My menstrual cycle resumed about three months after delivery.
However, after my last period on August 4th of this year, I did not have my period in September and October.
Therefore, I visited a gynecologist on September 27th and October 9th due to the absence of menstruation.
I took two pregnancy tests, both of which were negative.
On October 10th, I started taking a medication prescribed by the doctor to induce menstruation, called NORDRON, taking two pills twice a day for three days.
However, on October 19th, I returned to the gynecologist and surprisingly tested positive for pregnancy, although one line was very faint.
The doctor mentioned that taking the medication at such an early stage would not affect the pregnancy.
On October 22nd, feeling anxious, I consulted another gynecologist who advised against continuing the pregnancy, stating that the medication could cause genital abnormalities in the child, with a 50% risk of lifelong issues.
This was distressing to hear, as I had not considered abortion and was excited to welcome this new life.
I had sexual intercourse on October 2nd and 5th, and I took the medication for three days starting October 10th.
I would like to know if there could be any effects on the fetus.
Thank you for your patient response, doctor.

jeannie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In November 2018, I gave birth and continued breastfeeding until mid-October 2019 (not exclusively breastfeeding).
My menstrual period returned about three months after giving birth.
However, after my last menstrual period on August 4th of this year, I did not have a period in September and October.
Therefore, I visited an obstetrician-gynecologist on September 27 and October 9 due to the absence of menstruation.
I took two pregnancy tests, both of which were negative.
On October 10, I started taking a medication prescribed by the doctor to induce menstruation called NORDRON, taking two pills twice a day.
After three days of taking the medication, I returned to the obstetrician-gynecologist on October 19, and surprisingly, the test showed I was pregnant, although one line was very faint.
The doctor mentioned that since I took the medication very early on, it would not affect the pregnancy.
On October 22, feeling very anxious, I consulted another obstetrician-gynecologist.
This doctor advised me that if it were his case, he would recommend not continuing the pregnancy because the medication could cause genital issues in the child, leading to lifelong problems, with a 50% chance of occurrence.
Hearing this was distressing because I had never considered abortion; I was very happy to welcome this new life.
I had sexual intercourse on October 2 and 5, and I took the medication for three days starting October 10.
I would like to know if there will be any effects on the fetus.
Answer: Trust the first doctor.

Reply Date: 2019/10/22

More Info

When it comes to pregnancy after taking menstrual induction pills, such as NORDRON, it is essential to understand both the potential risks and the context of your situation. NORDRON is a medication that contains hormones, and it is often used to regulate menstrual cycles. However, its use during early pregnancy raises concerns, particularly regarding fetal development.

First and foremost, it is important to clarify that the timing of medication intake relative to conception is crucial. You mentioned that you started taking NORDRON on October 10 and had sexual intercourse on October 2 and 5. If you conceived around that time, the medication would have been taken shortly after conception. The early stages of pregnancy involve rapid cell division and differentiation, and the embryo is particularly vulnerable to external influences, including medications.

The concerns raised by the second physician regarding potential genital abnormalities in the fetus are valid. Hormonal medications can have various effects on fetal development, especially during the first trimester when the organs are forming. However, the risk of significant congenital anomalies depends on several factors, including the specific medication, the dosage, and the timing of exposure.

In your case, since you took the medication for only three days and it was at a very early stage of pregnancy, the risk of severe adverse effects may be lower, but it is not negligible. The physician's assertion that there is a 50% chance of genital issues may be an overestimation, as the actual risk can vary widely based on individual circumstances and the specific medication used.

It is also important to consider that many women have taken hormonal medications inadvertently during early pregnancy and have gone on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. The body has mechanisms to protect the developing embryo, and not all exposures to medications result in adverse outcomes.

Given your situation, here are some recommendations:
1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: It is crucial to have open and honest discussions with your obstetrician or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and the specifics of your case.

2. Monitoring and Ultrasound: Regular prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds can help monitor the development of the fetus. If there are any concerns, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing.

3. Avoid Further Medications: Unless prescribed by your healthcare provider, avoid taking any additional medications during pregnancy, especially hormonal ones.

4. Emotional Support: It is understandable to feel anxious about the health of your unborn child. Consider seeking support from family, friends, or a counselor to help you navigate your feelings during this time.

5. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid), and avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco.

In conclusion, while there are potential risks associated with taking menstrual induction pills during early pregnancy, the actual risk to your fetus may vary. Continuous monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider will be key in ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Remember, many women have successfully navigated similar situations, and with proper care, you can look forward to a healthy pregnancy.

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