Missed Birth Control Pills & Potential Pregnancy - Medical Advice

Question
Hi Dr. Rappaport,

I'm 24, have no children, and the first day of my last period was Sunday, January 29.  I take Portia birth control pills and missed my last two active pills on January 27 and 28, during which I was sexually active.  I didn't take any more active pills because my placebos started on the 29th once I realized my mistake.  I started a light period on the 29th as well, several days earlier than normal.

Is it possible that I would have gotten pregnant due to my missing the last two active pills of the pack, even though I appeard to have a light period?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer
It you missed the last two active pills (#20 and 21), you could merely have started your bleeding a few days earlier, but you would not have become pregnant. By that time in the month, you had not ovulated and could have have become pregnant. Normally, if you miss a pill, you should take two the next day. If you miss two pills in a row, you should take two the next day and two the day after. If you miss three in a row, throw the pack away and start a new pack on the following Sunday. If you were not taking the pills at all, ovulation would occur around cycle day #14. By taking the pills, you will not ovulate. If you get your period (which is actually a "breakthrough" bleed due to a drop in the hormones from stopping the active pills) you are not pregnant. I doubt that you could have conceived if you had sex on the days you missed the pills. If you have any doubts, wait a week and take a pregnancy test, but I doubt that you are pregnant.