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Birth Control & Women's Health

Can You Get Pregnant on the Placebo Week of Birth Control?

Andre Stone | MD

Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.

If you took the active pills correctly and start the next pack on time, you remain protected during the scheduled placebo week. Pregnancy may be possible if active pills were missed or the hormone-free interval was extended. If you missed two or more active pills in the weeks leading up to the placebo week, ovulation can occur during this hormone-free interval. Birth control pills are highly effective when taken correctly, but missed doses can increase the chance of pregnancy. With many combined-pill regimens, missing active pills next to the placebo interval can extend the time without hormones and increase pregnancy risk. Follow the instructions for your specific pill, because pack schedules and missed-pill guidance vary.

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