Last Updated: April 2025
Ozempic has become a widely used medication for managing type 2 diabetes. Doctors have also been prescribing the drug off-label for weight loss. However, the drug Wegovy was recently approved for weight loss, and it uses the same generic ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide). While these drugs have proven effective in regulating blood sugar and supporting weight loss, questions about their safety during pregnancy remain largely unanswered due to limited research.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates show that 5.5 million pregnancies occur in the United States each year. Given the large number of women giving birth each year, it is vital to know the potential risks and benefits of medications like Ozempic.
Below, we want to delve into the limited research that’s available and examine its safety profile during pregnancy to determine if it’s safe for you.
But First, What Is Ozempic?
To fully understand the implications of using Ozempic during pregnancy, it is essential to know what the drug is and how it works.
Ozempic is a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). This class of drugs mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and enhancing the body’s insulin response. It is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes and is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Obesity and Weight Loss with Ozempic
The rising prevalence of obesity in the U.S. has increased interest in medications like Ozempic. According to the CDC, 40.3 percent of adults in the country are considered obese. Other data found that 49.1 percent of adults tried to lose weight in the last 12 months, supporting the interest in Ozempic.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes or other obesity-related health conditions, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic offer a valuable option for improving overall health and reducing the risk of complications such as heart disease.
However, the use of Ozempic during pregnancy raises concerns, as its effects on fetal development and maternal health remain under-researched.
The Dangers of Being Overweight While Pregnant
One important reason this topic has come up is the inherent dangers of being overweight while pregnant. Being overweight or obese during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and baby. These risks stem from the added physical strain of excess weight and the challenges it creates in medical care.
Maternal Risks
Mothers with higher body mass index (BMI) face increased risks such as:
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Heart conditions and venous thrombosis (blood clots)
- Gestational diabetes
- Endometritis (uterine infection)
Risks to the Baby
Excess weight can lead to complications for the baby, including:
- Birth defects involving the spine, brain, or heart
- Abnormal growth, resulting in a baby that’s smaller or larger than average
- Delivery complications linked to maternal gestational diabetes
Medical Challenges
Obesity also complicates routine prenatal care. Ultrasound and genetic testing are less accurate, which can delay crucial diagnoses. According to UR Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology expert Stacy Sun MD, MPH, “There’s a huge gap in literature about taking care of our patients who are obese. It’s a community we don’t serve as well.”
Sun recommends weight control before getting pregnant. “This doesn’t necessarily mean a huge loss of weight, even small weight reduction, from five-to-seven percent before pregnancy is associated with drastically improved pregnancy outcomes.
Ozempic and Pregnancy
The safety of medications during pregnancy is always a primary consideration. For individuals using Ozempic, it is particularly important to assess potential risks, given the limited data available.
Limited Human Research
There are currently no large-scale human studies that directly assess the impact of Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs on pregnancy outcomes. Most available data comes from animal studies, which suggest potential risks to fetal development. In these studies, animals exposed to high doses of semaglutide experienced increased rates of miscarriage, congenital disabilities, and growth abnormalities in offspring.
Contradictory Human Findings
While human studies remain limited, some data suggests that GLP-1 medications may not pose significant risks during early pregnancy.
For example, a study of 50,000 pregnant individuals with type 2 diabetes found no significant increase in fetal development complications among those taking GLP-1 medications compared to those not taking these drugs.
However, these findings are not conclusive, and further research is needed to confirm the safety of Ozempic during pregnancy.
Risks of Mismanaged Diabetes
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, discontinuing a medication like Ozempic during pregnancy can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which pose serious risks.
Unmanaged diabetes is associated with an increased likelihood of miscarriage, preeclampsia, stillbirth, and major birth defects.
It is critical to consult a healthcare provider to determine the safest course of action, which may involve switching to a different medication proven to be safer during pregnancy, such as metformin.
When to Stop Ozempic When Planning for Pregnancy
For those planning to conceive, the timing of discontinuing Ozempic is an important consideration.
- Talk to your doctor before taking any action. Your specific circumstances will determine if Ozempic is safe for you during pregnancy. In addition, new research is constantly developing, and your doctor can consider this when making a recommendation.
- Discontinuation Timeline: If your doctor recommends you stop Ozempic, the FDA recommends stopping Ozempic at least two months before attempting to conceive. This guidance is based on the drug’s long half-life, which means it remains active in the body for several weeks after the last dose. Waiting for this period ensures the medication has cleared from the system, minimizing any potential risk to a developing fetus.
- Transition to Other Treatments: If a patient requires ongoing treatment for type 2 diabetes or obesity-related conditions, healthcare providers may recommend alternative medications or therapies. Options like insulin or metformin are well-studied and considered safer for use during pregnancy.
Ozempic and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is another area in which the safety of Ozempic remains uncertain. Individuals who are breastfeeding or planning to do so should weigh the potential risks with their healthcare provider.
- Lack of Human Studies: There are currently no human data on how Ozempic affects breast milk, milk production, or nursing infants. However, animal studies indicate that small amounts of semaglutide is excreted into breast milk. While the levels detected are minimal, it remains unclear whether this could have any long-term effects on infants.
- Provider Recommendations: Healthcare providers typically advise against using Ozempic while breastfeeding due to the unknown risks. Patients are generally encouraged to postpone resuming the medication until they have stopped breastfeeding to eliminate any potential exposure to the infant.
Ozempic and Fertility
For individuals trying to conceive, understanding how Ozempic may affect fertility is an important consideration.
- Fertility Benefits of Weight Loss: Weight loss can significantly improve fertility, whether through lifestyle changes or medications like Ozempic. For individuals with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which often causes irregular ovulation, weight loss achieved with GLP-1 medications can restore regular cycles and increase the likelihood of conception.
- Male Fertility: Emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1 medications may benefit male fertility by improving sperm quality and motility. There is no indication that the use of these drugs by male partners increases the risk of congenital disabilities.
Potential Side Effects of Ozempic During Pregnancy
Even if the direct impact of Ozempic on pregnancy is unclear, its known side effects can present additional challenges during this time.
Ozempic slows digestion, making it more difficult for pregnant individuals to consume adequate nutrients. Proper nutrition is critical during pregnancy to support fetal growth and development. In addition, the medication’s appetite-suppressing effects may lead to unintentional caloric restriction, which is not recommended during pregnancy.
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These symptoms may be particularly problematic for pregnant individuals already experiencing morning sickness, compounding discomfort and making it harder to maintain proper hydration and nutrition.
In rare cases, Ozempic can cause hypoglycemia, especially when used in conjunction with other diabetes medications. Pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable to blood sugar fluctuations, making this a critical factor to monitor. Tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer before starting Ozempic.
The Importance of Medical Guidance
For individuals using Ozempic who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, close communication with healthcare providers is essential.
Healthcare providers can assess the risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing Ozempic based on an individual’s medical history, the severity of diabetes, and other health factors, which ensures that maternal and fetal health are prioritized.
In many cases, the best course of action during pregnancy is to transition to a medication with a well-documented safety profile, such as insulin or metformin. These alternatives help manage blood sugar effectively while reducing risks to the fetus.
Let The RX Advocates Be Your Expert Guidance During this Critical Period
Understanding the risks associated with Ozempic during pregnancy is essential for making informed decisions about your health. Since Ozempic could pose significant risks that could affect both you and your developing baby, you need expert guidance. Although the medication has proven benefits for managing diabetes and supporting weight loss, its safety during pregnancy remains uncertain.
If you’re uncertain about the right medication for your needs or how to transition safely, it’s time to consult with a knowledgeable professional. The RX Advocates are here to provide expert guidance tailored to your situation. Contact us today at 844-559-8332 to discuss your options with our specialists and find out if you’re eligible for our Patient Assistance Program. Let us help you navigate this important decision and ensure the best outcome for you and your growing family.
