What happens to the baby of the morning after pill doesn't work?

If pregnancy occurs despite taking the morning-after pill, the pill itself will not harm the developing fetus.

Understanding the Morning-After Pill's Action

The morning-after pill, such as Plan B, is a form of emergency contraception, not an abortion pill. Its primary function is to prevent pregnancy from occurring in the first place, mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. This means it works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, or by preventing fertilization if an egg has already been released.

Key Facts if Pregnancy Occurs:

• No Harm to Fetus: If you take the morning-after pill and pregnancy has already occurred or still occurs, the medication will not harm a developing fetus. It is not effective after pregnancy has been established and cannot interrupt it.
• Not an Abortion Pill: The morning-after pill works before pregnancy is established. It cannot end an existing pregnancy.
• No Impact on Future Fertility: Taking the morning-after pill has no effect on a woman's ability to become pregnant in the future.

How it Works (and What it Doesn't Do)

The most common morning-after pills contain a high dose of a hormone called levonorgestrel, which is also found in many regular birth control pills. This hormone primarily acts to:

• Delay or prevent ovulation: This is its main mechanism.
• Thicken cervical mucus: Making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• Potentially alter the uterine lining: Although this is a less significant or confirmed effect compared to ovulation delay.

It is crucial to understand that if an egg has already been fertilized and implanted in the uterus (meaning pregnancy has begun), the morning-after pill will not reverse this process or cause harm to the pregnancy.

What to Do If the Pill Doesn't Work

If you took the morning-after pill and subsequently miss your period, it's essential to:

• Take a Pregnancy Test: Confirm whether you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are widely available and reliable.
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a healthcare clinic. They can confirm the pregnancy, discuss your options, and provide prenatal care if you choose to continue the pregnancy.
• Discuss Options: Your healthcare provider can provide information on all available options and resources, regardless of your decision.

For more information on emergency contraception, you can visit reputable sources like Planned Parenthood.

Morning-After Pill Facts Summary