A UK regulatory body is advising women using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro to ensure they use reliable birth control. This follows over 40 reports concerning pregnancies associated with these drugs.
The warning comes as women flood social media with stories of their so-called “Ozempic babies” — including surprise pregnancies while on the pill.
Looking to lose weight without the surprise of a pregnancy? It’s important to understand GLP-1s, their connection with pregnancy, and the best contraceptives to use to stay safe.
What’s in your GLP-1?
On the market, a few dominant GLP-1 medications include Ozempic and Wegovy. Both of these drugs contain semaglutide, which is an active component that acts like a natural hormone to enhance insulin levels, slow down digestion, and help decrease appetite.
Then there’s Saxenda and Victoza, powered by liraglutide, which functions in a similar way.
Newer drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound rely on tirzepatide, a key ingredient that targets a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control.
A surprise side effect
While gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common with GLP-1s, the surprise side effect making waves is unexpected pregnancy.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 28 reports related to pregnancy in patients on tirzepatide, and nine each for semaglutide and liraglutide.
In an alert this week, the agency warned that tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially in women with higher body weight. As a result, it recommended using barrier methods like condoms while on drugs like Mounjaro.
So far, there’s no evidence that GLP-1s affect non-oral birth control like IUDs, implants, patches, or rings, according to the UK’s Faculty of Reproductive Healthcare.
And yes, the advice applies even to women previously told they were infertile. GLP-1s have been shown to boost fertility by aiding weight loss, reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity — leading some to conceive just months after starting treatment.
Can you take GLP-1s while pregnant?
Experts say no — at least not yet. There’s not enough data to confirm whether GLP-1s are safe during pregnancy.
While a some human studies suggests there is no harm in first-trimester use, testing in animals has shown the drugs could increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Another reason to skip GLP-1s while pregnant: they suppress your appetite and can trigger gastrointestinal issues, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies that impact fetal development.
The drugs should also be avoided during breastfeeding, since there’s not enough research to confirm safety for infants.
Trying to conceive? Here’s the timeline
If you’re planning to get pregnant, the MHRA recommended stopping GLP-1s before you start trying to conceive and giving your body time to clear the drugs.
For semaglutide users, that means quitting at least two months ahead.
If you’re on tirzepatide, stop one month before trying.
Liraglutide clears the system faster, so you can stop right before you start trying to conceive.
