Q&A: Do contraceptive implants cause birth defects?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Are there any known birth defects or other problems with a child conceived while the mother had a contraceptive implant? I'm wondering if the high progesterone levels might harm the unborn baby.

I don't think progesterone, delivered in any method, is a big worry as far as birth defects. The older studies about limb defects have been questioned. In fact, we use progesterone all the time for threatened miscarriages.

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