It doesn’t matter what form of birth control you use — the pill, the shot, an IUD, or a condom — you probably aren’t thrilled if you’re looking at a positive pregnancy test.

I mean, it’s in the name. “Birth Control.” It’s supposed to give you control over your fertility and when you become pregnant. But freaking Mother Nature has other plans.

Even though I wasn’t on birth control when I got unexpectedly pregnant, I can empathize with the shock that you’re experiencing. This turn of events brings about a host of decisions and She Might is here to walk beside you as you make the best next steps for you.

What Are the Odds of Getting Pregnant on Birth Control?

As you know, the effectiveness of your birth control depends on the type of birth control you use and how you use it.

For example, the pill is 99% effective with perfect use — this means you took a pill every day at the same time of day. However, most women fall into the category of “typical use” when taking the pill, resulting in 9 in every 100 users experiencing pregnancy within a year.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reported that with hormonal injections, the pill, the patch, and vaginal rings, 6-12 women in every 100 get pregnant per year. That number rises to 18 out of 100 for users of male or female condoms or the fertility tracking method. No birth control method, other than abstinence or sterilization, is 100% effective.

What Are My Next Steps?

Maybe you’re a task-oriented person like me and you want to jump straight into problem-solving. You’re pregnant—you have choices to make and actions to take.

Confirm your pregnancy

Yes, pregnancy tests are very accurate, but it is essential to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound to make sure you do not have an ectopic pregnancy or any other health concerns.

If you got pregnant with an IUD, it’s important to locate the IUD and discuss next steps with your doctor.

In addition, whether you are seeking to terminate or continue your pregnancy, knowing the gestational age of the fetus will determine your next steps:

If you’re planning to terminate your pregnancy, you need to know the gestational age to know what type of abortion is safe to pursue. Medical abortions are safe up until 10 weeks. If your pregnancy is further along than 10 weeks, a medical abortion can be more painful and have a higher risk of complications and you will need to pursue a surgical abortion instead. If you are going to continue your pregnancy, the prenatal care you receive and when you receive it will depend on the gestational age of the baby.

Take the Pregnancy Clarity Quiz

Wondering which option is right for you? Our Pregnancy Clarity Quiz only takes a few minutes and will help you understand exactly how this pregnancy might affect you with a customized report. Envisioning the future is an important step to making an informed decision.

Make a pregnancy decision

Upon the discovery of an unexpected pregnancy, most people begin to mentally gear up for becoming a parent or plan how to terminate the pregnancy. Some women also explore adoption. I would encourage you to use She Might’s Pregnancy Options Processing Worksheet to make a wholehearted decision. Here are a few basic things to keep in mind:

You shouldn’t settle when making a decision. Many people feel like they have to go with the logical, straightforward path or with their gut reaction. You need to make a choice that aligns with your values and what makes sense for your future. Don’t decide between head and heart—use both!
Envision your future. Try not to get stuck in the here and now. Consider your long term goals and ambitions as well as your plans for the next year. How do your options impact those thoughts and ideas? You won’t have all the answers or know exactly how one decision will turn out, but you can think through the different options and how they may play a part in your future.
You won’t make everyone happy. This is a personal decision that you have to live with, so you need to make the best one for you. When I was processing my own pregnancy decision, I had to hold two ideas in tension: I needed to be wise about who I talked to about my pregnancy, and I needed a support system.

You are not alone

A surprise pregnancy is overwhelming. You may want to run far away from your life right now. Or you may want to cuddle up in bed, wake up, and realize it isn’t true.

Whatever you’re experiencing, know that you are not the only woman who has gone through this experience. Thousands of women become pregnant on birth control every year.

You are not a failure because your birth control method did not work for its intended purpose. All you can do now is the next right thing. Take one step towards coping with the shock and then find a headspace to make a plan.

You are capable of handling this unexpected turn of events.

Need to make a pregnancy decision soon? Talk to an expert coach and get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.