If you think you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you are pregnant while using Paragard, you may have an ectopic pregnancy which means the pregnancy is not in your uterus. Unusual vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain may be signs of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that often requires surgery; it can cause internal bleeding, infertility and even death.
There are also risks if you get pregnant and Paragard is in your uterus. Severe infection, miscarriage, premature delivery, and even death can occur. Because of this, your healthcare provider may try to remove Paragard, even though removing it may cause a miscarriage.
If you continue your pregnancy with Paragard in place, see your healthcare provider regularly. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, or fluid leaking from your vagina.
It is not known if Paragard can cause long-term effects on the fetus if it stays in place during a pregnancy.
