Pregnant on the pill, coil or implant: what to do next

It’s more common than people think to find out you’re pregnant while you’re using contraception. If it’s happened to you, here are the first steps, and the one risk with a coil that’s worth knowing about.

First, take a pregnancy test

If your period is late, or you have symptoms, take a pregnancy test. Pharmacies sell them, and the NHS says sexual health clinics offer free pregnancy tests. See how early can I take a pregnancy test.

Then get advice quickly

The NHS says you can get free, confidential advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic, and if you’ve missed pills, to speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible. The sexual health helpline is 0300 123 7123 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm). It is run through NHS England, so in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use your local sexual health service or your GP.

Bring up what you’re using: the pill, a coil (IUD or IUS), the implant or anything else. They can tell you what to do with it, and with any other medicines you take. Don’t stop anything without advice. Don’t try to remove a coil or implant yourself. A doctor or nurse needs to do this.

If you have a coil

The NHS says pregnancy while you have an IUD or IUS is rare, but when it happens it is more likely to be an ectopic pregnancy. That is why it’s important to see a GP or sexual health clinic quickly and get the pregnancy located. Don’t wait to see whether your symptoms settle.

When to get help

If you’re pregnant, or think you could be, and you have a combination of symptoms such as tummy pain low down on one side, vaginal bleeding or brown watery discharge, pain in the tip of your shoulder, or discomfort when you pee or poo, contact your GP or call NHS 111 straight away, even if you haven’t had a positive pregnancy test. An early pregnancy unit or your maternity unit can also advise.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have sudden, sharp, intense tummy pain and feel very dizzy or faint, feel sick, or look very pale. These can be signs that a fallopian tube has split open (ruptured). The NHS miscarriage page also advises urgent help for heavy bleeding.

What if I want to continue, or don’t?

Both are valid. If you’d like to continue, your GP or midwife can book you in for antenatal care (see positive pregnancy test: what next and your first few weeks, step by step). If you’re unsure, a GP or sexual health clinic can talk you through your options, in confidence.

Questions people ask

Can I get pregnant on the pill?

Yes. No contraception is perfect, and the pill is less reliable if doses are missed or taken late. Take a test and speak to a pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic.

Is a pregnancy with a coil dangerous?

The NHS says it is rare, but it is more likely to be ectopic when it happens, so get seen quickly. Tummy pain on one side, bleeding or shoulder pain need urgent help.

Can I get a free test?

The NHS says sexual health clinics offer free pregnancy tests.

Where can I get confidential advice?

Your GP or a sexual health clinic. The NHS says the advice is free and confidential.