[Prenatal exposure to birth control pills: risk of fetal death and congenital malformations]

Abstract

About 1% of pregnant women uses oral contraceptives during the first part of their pregnancy and thereby exposes their offspring to artificial estrogens. Artificial estrogens, such as oral contraceptives, accidentally used during pregnancy may have a negative impact on the fetus. This article reviews the literature on prenatal exposure to oral contraceptives and the risk of congenital malformations and fetal death. The conclusion is that prenatal exposure to oral contraceptives may be associated with a slightly elevated risk of certain specific congenital malformations.