Final answer:
The woman should take the missed birth control pills as soon as remembered, continue with her regular schedule, and use backup contraception for the next 7 days. Taking three pills at once or skipping them is not recommended, and emergency contraceptives are available if unprotected sex occurs after missing the pills.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a woman misses taking her birth control pills for 2 consecutive days, the recommended course of action would be to take the missed pills as soon as she remembers and continue with her regular schedule. Additionally, she should use backup contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days to ensure protection against pregnancy. This approach helps maintain the effectiveness of the contraceptive method while addressing the missed doses.
It is not advisable to take three pills at once as this may cause side effects and it's not guaranteed to provide adequate contraceptive protection. Skipping the missed pills could also increase the chance of pregnancy. Discontinuing the pill altogether should only be considered in consultation with a healthcare provider.
It's important to note that if unprotected sex occurs during the time frame when pills were missed, emergency contraceptives like Plan B One-Step or Next Step, often referred to as the 'morning after pill,' can be used within 72 hours after the unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. These should not be used as a regular contraceptive method but can be a viable option in the case of birth control failure.