Ozempic’s Effects on Pregnancy and Fertility: Experts Answer 4 Common Questions

Can drugs like Ozempic increase the chance of pregnancy?

Anecdotal reports of women unexpectedly becoming pregnant while taking GLP-1s like Ozempic are circulating. A recent trend on social media called “Ozempic babies” refers to females sharing stories of becoming pregnant while taking medications like Ozempic for weight loss.

Some people noted that they became pregnant despite fertility challenges.

Because anti-obesity medications cause weight loss, there is an increased risk of getting pregnant while taking any anti-obesity medication, said Scott Isaacs, MD, president-elect of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

“Losing weight can increase fertility by improving several factors that are linked to being overweight or obese, including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism (male/female hormone imbalance), in addition to improving overall metabolic health,” he told Healthline. “This is especially true for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).”

According to a 2023 review, in addition to diabetes, being overweight can cause reproductive issues such as menstrual disorders, infertility, miscarriage, and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Additionally, since GLP-1 drugs help with weight loss by delaying digestion, they can impact the medication you take and how it is processed in your body, possibly decreasing absorption.

“If a patient is taking birth control pills, this could, in turn, reduce the efficacy of these tablets,” Jamie Winn, PharmD, a pharmacist at Universal Drugstore, told Healthline.

Additionally, side effects of GLP-1 medications include vomiting. “If the birth control pill is vomited, it may not be effective,” said Isaacs.

Winn also noted that females who experienced fertility challenges before they began taking a GLP-1 drug may not feel the need to take birth control precautions, and this can lead to “unplanned pregnancies post-weight loss.”

Is it safe to get pregnant while taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that people should not take anti-obesity medications during pregnancy. For those who are planning to become pregnant and are on a GLP-1, the FDA recommends stopping the medication at least two months before trying to conceive.

“This will allow time for the medication to leave your body and return your hormones to their natural state,” said Winn.

While no studies have been conducted on pregnant people taking GLP-1 drugs, studies in animals such as rats, rabbits, and monkeys showed that these animals experienced high rates of miscarriages when they were given an injectable GLP-1 medication. The babies the animals gave birth to were smaller in size than usual and with more birth defects.

“It is not safe to get pregnant while taking anti-obesity medications. Most of these medications, including GLP-1 medications, are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus,” said Isaacs.

For instance, he said the medication Qsymia carries a boxed warning due to the risk of birth defects, specifically the increased risk of cleft lip and cleft palate to the fetus.

How can I prevent unplanned pregnancies while taking a GLP-1?

Because side effects such as vomiting occur most significantly during the first four weeks of starting a GLP-1 medication and again for another four weeks after the medication dose is increased, Isaacs said during these times, additional measures should be taken to prevent pregnancy.

“This includes considering alternative methods, such as birth control patches, implants, or IUDs, which are not affected by changes in the digestive system,” he said.

Even if you believe you aren’t likely to get pregnant but you’re looking to avoid it, keep in mind that with any medication, potential interactions may affect pregnancy and fertility.

“[Therefore] for individuals planning to conceive, it’s always advised to consult a healthcare provider beforehand so personalized guidance can be provided,” said Winn. “[If] you’re unsure about what protection is right for you, they’ll be able to help you choose the best option and will look at how the medications and your medical history could impact fertility.”

What should I do if I get pregnant while taking a GLP-1 medication? 

If you become pregnant unexpectedly while taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, call your doctor immediately.

“They will be able to advise how and when you should stop the medication and can provide further care for your pregnancy. Never immediately stop taking the medication without consulting a doctor first,” said Winn.

In addition to offering advice on how to reduce risks to the fetus, your doctor can also offer alternative methods to manage weight and health during pregnancy, with a focus on a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise to mitigate excessive pregnancy weight gain.

“One issue that I have come across is excessive pregnancy weight gain after stopping a weight loss medication for pregnancy,” said Isaacs.

He also has witnessed people having to make the difficult decision about whether to lose weight now with weight loss medications or to proceed with a pregnancy.

“Sometimes the decision is to lose weight with medications, transition off and then have pregnancy. Sometimes, the order can be reversed,” Isaacs said. “The important part is to work with your doctor for planning and not to have an unhealthy or unsafe situation involving pregnancy and weight loss medications.”

The bottom line

Anti-obesity medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can help with weight loss and, as a result, increase a person’s likelihood of becoming pregnant.

However, taking any weight loss medication while pregnant comes with high risk to the fetus, including miscarriage and birth defects.

The FDA states that anti-obesity medication should not be taken while pregnant and should be stopped at least two months before attempting to conceive.