Using birth control tablets to skip a period is typically safe. However, there are certain dangers and negative effects to consider. Breakthrough bleeding is one danger. After missing a few periods or more, a person may have breakthrough or withdrawal bleeding. This can be serious if no other method of contraception is used simultaneously. Withdrawal bleeding can also happen after stopping the pill without another form of protection. If you do not want to get pregnant, then it is important to use a backup method of contraception during this time. Breakfast and dinner times for birth control pills: The doses in oral contraceptives are timed to match the natural cycles of women so they will be effective each time they are taken. For this reason, many people prefer to take the pill in the morning with breakfast and avoid eating or drinking anything else until late in the day, around 3 p.m. Studies show that women who eat meals at different times each day tend to require smaller doses of medication. This may be necessary because as your body gets used to taking drugs at certain times, it requires smaller and smaller amounts to achieve the same effect. Thus, it's recommended to start the day by swallowing the pill with a glass of water and avoiding food or alcohol for several hours thereafter.