What are the risks if a pregnancy occurs in the presence of an IUD?

What are the risks if a pregnancy occurs in the presence of an IUCD?

Should a pregnancy occur:

miscarriage and infection are more likely. If the IUCD is left in place the risk of miscarriage is increased even beyond three months. Whilst there is a chance of miscarriage in association with removing the device, the balance of risks is such that if possible, the IUCD should be removed early in the pregnancy. If the pregnancy is to be terminated, the IUCD can be removed at the same time.
although overall pregnancy rates are low, there is a slightly higher percentage of ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy outside the uterus,Q12.23) than would otherwise be expected.
there is no evidence of an increased risk of foetal abnormality.

Do you have an unanswered women's health question?

Please let us have your general question on our NEW FORUM / MESSAGE BOARDS facility and we will try to answer it for you. I am sure that you will appreciate that we cannot offer advice on the management of an individual's specific problem.

Thank you for your visiting us at 2WomensHealth.com.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.

I do hope that you find the answers to your questions in the patient information and medical advice provided. If you still have unanswered questions, please consider entering them into one of our forums and I will try to assist you.

DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.