What a New Study Says About GLP‑1 Medications
Medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and other GLP‑1 receptor agonists are increasingly used to treat diabetes and help with weight loss. Because many women taking these medications are of reproductive age, an important question arises: What happens if someone becomes pregnant while using these medications?
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined whether exposure toGLP‑1 medications before or early in pregnancy affects weight gain during pregnancy orthe risk of hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia.
Why This Question Matters
GLP‑1 medications have become extremely common in recent years. They are widely
prescribed for:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight loss
- Metabolic syndrome
Weight loss itself can improve fertility, meaning more women may become pregnant after taking these medications. Medication labels currently recommend stopping GLP‑1 drugs at least two months before pregnancy largely because animal studies raised concerns about fetal safety.
What the Study Looked At
Researchers reviewed pregnancies from 2014–2024 at a large medical center and identified 243 patients who had been exposed to a GLP‑1 medication within one year before pregnancy. Participants used the medications for two main reasons:
- Pregestational diabetes
- Weight management
The most common medication used was semaglutide. Researchers compared these pregnancies with similar patients who had not used GLP‑1 medications and evaluated two major outcomes:
- Gestational weight gain
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such as preeclampsia
What the Researchers Found
1. GLP‑1 exposure did NOT increase hypertensive disorders
The study found no increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women exposed to GLP‑1 medications, including preeclampsia. This was true for women using the medications for both diabetes and weight management.
2. Effects on pregnancy weight gain were mixed
Among women using GLP‑1 medications for weight management, exposure was associated with lower odds of gaining too little weight during pregnancy. Researchers believe this may reflect rebound weight gain after stopping the medication.
3. Other pregnancy outcomes were similar
The study did not find differences in several other pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, or large‑for‑gestational‑age infants.
What This Means for Patients
Although this study provides helpful information, several important points remain. GLP‑1 medications are still not recommended during pregnancy. Women planning pregnancy are generally advised to stop these medications beforehand. If exposure occurs early in pregnancy, it does not automatically mean harm, but consultation with an obstetrician or maternal‑fetal medicine specialist is recommended.
Our Perspective
As medications like semaglutide become more common, maternal‑fetal medicine specialists increasingly care for patients who have used these medications prior to pregnancy. Ongoing research will continue to guide counseling and care for these patients.
Reference
Pondugula N, et al. Gestational Weight Gain and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy With Prepregnancy and Early Pregnancy GLP‑1 Receptor Agonist Exposure. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2026.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Reading this content does not create a physician‑patient relationship. Medical decisions should always be made in consultation with your personal physician or healthcare provider. If you have questions about your pregnancy or health, please speak directly with your obstetrician or a qualified medical professional.