The state of the device and copper levels in the products of conception in women becoming pregnant with a copper-bearing IUD in situ

Abstract

Of the 8 pregnancies studied, 2 were of small gestational sacs with blighted ova and were associated with devices in which the Cu wire had very high detectable X-ray emissions for Cu (> 90%). In 2 other pregnancies intrauterine deaths occurred by the time of termination at 13 and 17 wk, and Cu levels in the products of conception were variable. There was no abnormality of the fetus in the term pregnancy, but it seems possible that Cu can affect the early growth and development of the embryo. On only 1 of the 8 devices was any great amount of Ca deposited, and it is therefore considered unlikely that Ca deposition increases the risk of pregnancy by preventing the release of Cu.