Pregnant or Fat?

Have you ever gained a few pounds and started thinking "I feel pregnant" knowing good and well you're on birth control.  Yeah I haven't either ;) !!! Well we might not be crazy after all. If you're thick, curvy, full-figured, big-boned, plus sized, or just overweight - be careful when choosing birth control.  Until recently, women who were in the overweight category were excluded from birth control studies.  New research is suggesting that birth control may be less effective for women who are overweight or obese.  (I don't want to offend you about weight but google weight charts and know your truth.)  Without giving you all of the science, here is the take home message. 

1. The Pill - Hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen might be least effective in women who are overweight, increasing the chance of pregnancy while taking the pill.  Estrogen-based contraceptives can increase the risk of heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure and gallbladder disease in overweight women. 
2. The Shot - Offers an alternative to estrogen-based contraceptives and is more effective against preventing pregnancy.  Down side =  You should know that there is a risk of weight gain in the first year of taking it.  
3. IUDs and Norplant - showed little to no difference in number of pregnancy (99% effective).  These are designed to last for longer term (5 or 10 years) but can be removed at any time.  There are risks associated with IUDs which include dislodging into the abdomen. 

Take home message: If you're on birth control and "feel pregnant" you've probably just gained weight.  But if it makes you feel better take a pregnancy test to make sure!!