Birth Control?

I've been sexually active for about a year but I think I should use birth control whether it be the pill or an implant. Because we always use condoms but have had a few pregnancy scares & it keeps me concerned. But my mother had told me when she would take birth control she had a lot of negative effects, so I'm afraid of that. I'd like to not be scared of making love with the man I'm in love with. Any opinions or ideas?