Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/12/2009

Question
Hi, Not knowing that I was pregnant, I went in to get a frist-time Depo-Provera shot from my clinic.  When they tested me to see if I was pregnant, it came up negative.  2 weeks after the shot I found out I was already 7 weeks pregnant. My question is what are the side affects from using the shot on the fetus?

Answer
Most studies have shown no problems when a mother received depo-Provera early in pregnancy.  A few studies have shown increased risk of premature birth or extra fingers, but the chances seem to be very small, and most likely you have the same risk of congenital anomalies as anyone else (2-4%).