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What Should I do if I get Pregnant with an IUD?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Although getting pregnant with an IUD is rare, as with most types of contraception, it is possible. If your obstetrician has inserted an IUD into your cervix and you believe you are pregnant, you should notify him as soon as possible. He will usually run tests to confirm the pregnancy before deciding whether to remove the IUD. Although a healthy pregnancy is possible, women who get pregnant with an IUD are often at high risk of having complications during the pregnancy.

Some women who get pregnant with an IUD may believe they can remove the device themselves. Health experts agree this should never be done, since this can cause dangerous health complications. An appointment should be made with your gynecologist as soon as possible.

A copper IUD.
A copper IUD.

One of the first things your gynecologist will do is confirm the pregnancy. This can be done with a urine or blood test, or a physical examination of the reproductive organs. He will also run tests to ensure that the embryo has not implanted outside the uterus, since women who conceive while an IUD is inserted are more prone to ectopic pregnancies. If you are pregnant and it is not an ectopic pregnancy, he will then usually make a decision about removing an IUD.

If a woman becomes pregnant using an IUD, most doctors recommend that the device be removed so that it does not interfere with the pregnancy.
If a woman becomes pregnant using an IUD, most doctors recommend that the device be removed so that it does not interfere with the pregnancy.

Many doctors who treat women who have an IUD will choose to remove the device in the event of a pregnancy. This is usually done by pulling the strings that are attached to it. If these strings can not be located, he may perform an ultrasound to find them. Removal of an IUD is best if it is done in the earlier stages of pregnancy. Removing the device will usually greatly reduce the risk of complications in the pregnancy, but there is still an increased risk of complications.

One big risk of getting pregnant with an IUD is that use of the device increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
One big risk of getting pregnant with an IUD is that use of the device increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

The risk of miscarriage and pre-term labor greatly increase if an IUD is left in place during a pregnancy. In some cases, however, a doctor may choose to leave the IUD in place. For example, if a woman is a few months into the pregnancy, the doctor may choose to leave the IUD in place. Also, most doctors will choose to leave an IUD in place if it is embedded into the placenta, since removing it could cause a miscarriage.

Provided the pregnancy is not ectopic, a woman's gynecologist can advise her of various options, including removing the IUD.
Provided the pregnancy is not ectopic, a woman's gynecologist can advise her of various options, including removing the IUD.

If you get pregnant with an IUD and you choose to continue with the pregnancy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, since these types of pregnancies are often considered to be high risk, you should take proper care of yourself. Quit smoking and drinking, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest. Also, be sure to go to any doctor's appointments to ensure that there are no complications with the pregnancy.

Discussion Comments

anon968611

I'm 24 and was "wearing" a copper IUD for almost a year when I got pregnant. My IUD was still in place, it just failed to work. The doctor's comment: your boyfriend and you are very very fertile and this kinds of things happen. We decided not to keep it and I had an abortion where they also removed the IUD. After that I got another copper IUD and started monitoring my cycle to predict ovulation. Now, almost four months later. I got another positive pregnancy test. Although I monitored my ovulation and used condoms on fertile days.

Ruggercat68

I've heard of one woman getting pregnant with an IUD in my life, and she ended up having a miscarriage. The gynecologist tried to remove it because of the risk of infection, but it had started to adhere to the uterine wall and had to be removed through surgery. There was no way to save the embryo.

AnswerMan

With all of the IUD side effects I've heard about over the years, I'm a little surprised women still choose that form of birth control. If there's a chance a woman could still get pregnant with an IUD, I'd hope the woman's partner would consider using a condom as a back-up method.

I realize since I'm a man I don't really have a dog in this fight, but of all the contraceptive methods available out there, the IUD seems to be the most problematic for a woman's overall health.

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    • A copper IUD.
      By: Dominique VERNIER
      A copper IUD.
    • If a woman becomes pregnant using an IUD, most doctors recommend that the device be removed so that it does not interfere with the pregnancy.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      If a woman becomes pregnant using an IUD, most doctors recommend that the device be removed so that it does not interfere with the pregnancy.
    • One big risk of getting pregnant with an IUD is that use of the device increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
      By: 9nong
      One big risk of getting pregnant with an IUD is that use of the device increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
    • Provided the pregnancy is not ectopic, a woman's gynecologist can advise her of various options, including removing the IUD.
      By: JackF
      Provided the pregnancy is not ectopic, a woman's gynecologist can advise her of various options, including removing the IUD.