Can You Take Ozempic While Pregnant?

“Ozempic babies”, or babies unexpectedly conceived while taking GLP-1s, have been in the headlines frequently over the last year. However, while there does seem to be a link between GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and boosted fertility and conception rates, that sidesteps a separate question: is it safe or recommended to take Ozempic while pregnant?

The short answer is that while there isn’t enough data to say that it’s definitively unsafe, neither the makers of GLP-1 drugs nor the FDA recommend taking Ozempic while pregnant. However, there are other ways to make sure you maintain your health goals while still maintaining a healthy pregnancy off GLP-1s.

Read on to learn more about Ozempic and pregnancy.

What are ‘Ozempic babies’?

Ozempic babies is the nickname  given to children unexpectedly conceived by women taking Ozempic and other similar medications, many of whom had previously struggled with conception and fertility. Some of these women were on birth control.

While not shown to improve fertility directly, some physicians point out that the weight loss and insulin resistance GLP-1 medications promote may be helpful for those attempting to become pregnant. Reductions in weight have been shown to promote more regular and healthier ovulation cycles.

Ozempic and Wegovy do list in their prescribing information that there is an increased likelihood of pregnancy for those taking either drug. Because drugs like Ozempic work in part by slowing digestion, they also have the potential to slow the absorption of oral medications like birth control, which can lead to a higher potential of pregnancy.

Is it safe to take Ozempic while pregnant or while trying to conceive?

Right now, consensus suggests that the potential dangers of taking GLP-1s during pregnancy outweigh the benefits. Drug manufacturers do not recommend taking Ozempic while pregnant, and advise that women immediately stop taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications as soon as they determine that they’re pregnant. 

The FDA also recommends discontinuing use of these medications two months before you plan to conceive, because there haven’t been extensive studies with pregnant patients to determine whether or not it’s safe. There have been a limited number of animal studies that have shown birth defects when the GLP1 was given during pregnancy- including problems with developing healthy organs like liver, kidneys or bones.

Is it safe to take Ozempic while breastfeeding?

Much like during pregnancy, taking Ozempic while breastfeeding is not recommended by most physicians, due to the unknown effects of the drug on newborns. Studies suggest, however, that the risk to newborns may be low due to the fact that Ozempic is an injectable medication that is unlikely to pass into breast milk. The bottom line? Taking Ozempic while breastfeeding is potentially risky, and should be discussed beforehand with your healthcare professional.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Ultimately, the goal for any expecting mother is to have a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy The tips for a healthy pregnancy also overlap significantly with good advice to live an overall healthy life. Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, exercise safely, get plenty of rest, and try to reduce stress levels as much as possible. While those all may seem like common sense practices, with all the events, doctor visits, and planning that leads up to the actual birth, it’s easy to let bad habits sneak in.

If you’re looking for more specific tips on having a healthy pregnancy without Ozempic or other GLP-1s, see our article on the subject here.

The Takeaway

While there may be a correlation with increased fertility, when it comes to Ozempic and pregnancy, both drug makers and the FDA agree that patients stop taking any GLP-1 medication as soon as they find out they may be pregnant. However, If you are looking to maintain your health goals, set yourself up for a future healthy pregnancy, and go off Ozempic before you conceive, Virta has been proven to be a safe and effective off-ramp for GLP-1 drugs. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.

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