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Overview
You might want to consider stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide) before trying to conceive (TTC). These medications are not recommended for use during pregnancy due to limited safety data, and most guidelines suggest discontinuing them before conception.
Key Points
Why Stop GLP-1 Agonists Before TTC?
- Lack of Safety Data: There is very limited human data on the safety of GLP-1 agonists during pregnancy. Most available evidence comes from animal studies, which have shown potential risks such as reduced fetal growth and skeletal changes, especially when exposure occurs during early development. Because of this, these medications are not approved for use in pregnancy and are generally classified as contraindicated during pregnancy by regulatory agencies like the FDA and EMA.Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidence - PMCGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safety during ...Pregnancy after exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists. A case report and literature review | ECE2023 | 25th European Congress of Endocrinology | Endocrine AbstractsIn subsequent trimesters, ... 2750 g. GLP-1 agonists have been classified by the FDA and EMA as group C, which means that they are contraindicated during pregnancy....Frontiers | Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidenceAims/hypothesis: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safetyduringpregnancy and lactation causes ...Read full articleSource: FrontiersGlucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists' use during pregnancy: Safety data from regulatory clinical trials - Parker - 2025 - Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - Wiley Online LibraryA review of the safety of GLP1-RAs in the context of pregnancy was thus required. Diabetes and obesity are common during pregnancy, and the prevalence of both conditions is increasing in women of reproductive age.7 The importance of the gut–brain axis in both diabetes and obesity and improved mechanistic understanding of the roles of several gut peptides have increased recently. Incretin hormones, such as Glucagon-like peptide-1 ...Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period - PubMedThere are limited data from human studies to guide decision-making regarding timing of discontinuation of GLP-1 RA before conception. Studies focused on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes would provide additional information regarding a safe washout period. Based on the available literature a ...Read full articleSource: PubMed
- Guideline Recommendations: Clinical guidelines and expert consensus recommend stopping GLP-1 agonists before trying to conceive. The typical advice is to discontinue these medications at least 1–2 months before attempting pregnancy, to allow the drug to clear from your system. For example, semaglutide specifically has a recommended washout period of 2 months before conception.Pregnancy after exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists. A case report and literature review | ECE2023 | 25th European Congress of Endocrinology | Endocrine AbstractsIn subsequent trimesters, ... 2750 g. GLP-1 agonists have been classified by the FDA and EMA as group C, which means that they are contraindicated during pregnancy....GLP-1 Agonists and Fertility: What Physicians Need to KnowAdditionally, if a patient is planning to get pregnant, Younglove recommends they stop taking GLP-1 medications at least 2 months before trying to conceive. · If a patient is considering starting in vitro fertilization (IVF), there’s also a cause for concern about how the medications will ...Read full articleSource: medscape.comGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period - PubMedThere are limited data from human studies to guide decision-making regarding timing of discontinuation of GLP-1 RA before conception. Studies focused on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes would provide additional information regarding a safe washout period. Based on the available literature a ...Read full articleSource: PubMed
What If Conception Occurs While on a GLP-1 Agonist?
- Inadvertent Exposure: Some recent studies and case reports have not shown a clear increase in major birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes with early, unintentional exposure to GLP-1 agonists. However, these studies are small, and larger studies are needed to confirm safety. The current approach is to stop the medication immediately if pregnancy is detected.Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidence - PMCGlucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safety during ...Use of GLP1 receptor agonists in early pregnancy and reproductive safety: a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study based on the databases of six Teratology Information Services - PMCGlucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and more recently for weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the risks associated with GLP1-RA exposure during early pregnancy. This ...Frontiers | Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidenceAims/hypothesis: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safetyduringpregnancy and lactation causes ...Read full articleSource: FrontiersGlucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists' use during pregnancy: Safety data from regulatory clinical trials - Parker - 2025 - Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - Wiley Online LibraryA review of the safety of GLP1-RAs in the context of pregnancy was thus required. Diabetes and obesity are common during pregnancy, and the prevalence of both conditions is increasing in women of reproductive age.7 The importance of the gut–brain axis in both diabetes and obesity and improved mechanistic understanding of the roles of several gut peptides have increased recently. Incretin hormones, such as Glucagon-like peptide-1 ...Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period - PubMedThere are limited data from human studies to guide decision-making regarding timing of discontinuation of GLP-1 RA before conception. Studies focused on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes would provide additional information regarding a safe washout period. Based on the available literature a ...Read full articleSource: PubMed
- Precautionary Principle: Because of the lack of robust data, the recommendation to stop GLP-1 agonists before conception is based on caution rather than proven harm.
Impact on Fertility and Preconception Health
- Fertility Effects: GLP-1 agonists may improve fertility in women with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by promoting weight loss and improving ovulation. However, these benefits are best realized before conception, and the medication should be stopped once you are actively trying to conceive.The hidden impact of GLP‐1 receptor agonists on endometrial receptivity and implantation - Sola‐Leyva - 2025 - Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Wiley Online LibraryUnderstanding these mechanisms ... and adverse developmental outcomes for children born to women conceiving during or soon after GLP-1RA treatment. ... Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists hold promise for improving female fertility, especially in obese or PCOS ...The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in reproduction: from physiology to therapeutic perspective - PubMedGLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of diabetes and obesity-related subfertility. Larger interventional studies are needed to establish the role of preconception intervention with GLP-1 based therapies, assessing fertility outcomes in obesity, PCOS, and diabetes-related ...Read full articleSource: PubMedFor some women with infertility, GLP-1s may hold an unexpected benefit: PregnancyIf you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio · GLP-1 use may improve fertility for some women with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinicians should counsel women about risk for unintended pregnancy when starting GLP-1 therapy.Read full articleSource: healio.comRELEVANCE of GLP-1 AGONISTS FOR INFERTILITY PRACTICE - ScienceDirectAlthough available evidence indicates that acute weight loss interventions before fertility treatment, aside from GLP-1agonists, do not increase live birth rates and may even increase the risk of pregnancy loss (12, 13), achieving an optimal weight before pregnancy is crucial to prevent ...Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comEffects of GLP1RAs on pregnancy rate and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review | BMC Endocrine Disorders | Full TextPurpose This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on pregnancy rate, menses, anthropometric and hormonal parameters in PCOS patients. Methods We conducted searches of the published literature in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science ...RELEVANCE of GLP-1 AGONISTS FOR INFERTILITY PRACTICE - Reproductive BioMedicine OnlineGLP-1 RAs can be used in polycystic ... sex hormone-binding globulin levels (15). These properties make GLP-1 agonists an excellent alternative to improve fertility in obese women with PCOS....Read full articleSource: rbmojournal.com
- Weight Regain: Some people experience weight regain after stopping GLP-1 agonists. This is a consideration for preconception planning, as maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is important for maternal and fetal health.Preconception glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use associated with decreased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes - ScienceDirectHowever, future research is needed to define how this class of medication is best incorporated clinically into preconception health optimization. ... Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 for use in the management ...Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.com
Summary
- It’s recommended to stop GLP-1 agonists before trying to conceive, typically at least 1–2 months prior, due to limited safety data in pregnancy and potential risks seen in animal studies.
- If you become pregnant while on a GLP-1 agonist, the current guidance is to discontinue the medication immediately.
- GLP-1 agonists may help with fertility and weight loss before pregnancy, especially in women with obesity or PCOS, but should not be continued once you are actively trying to conceive.
- For specific guidance on timing and managing your health goals, you might want to consult with your OB/GYN or endocrinologist, who can work with you on your personal course of care.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidence - PMC
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safety during ...
2
Pregnancy after exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists. A case report and literature review | ECE2023 | 25th European Congress of Endocrinology | Endocrine Abstracts
In subsequent trimesters, ... 2750 g. GLP-1 agonists have been classified by the FDA and EMA as group C, which means that they are contraindicated during pregnancy....
3
Frontiers | Effects of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors during pregnancy and lactation on offspring outcomes: a systematic review of the evidence
Aims/hypothesis: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel drugs which have recently seen rapid uptake in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The paucity of data regarding their safetyduringpregnancy and lactation causes ...
Read full article
Source:
Frontiers
4
Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists' use during pregnancy: Safety data from regulatory clinical trials - Parker - 2025 - Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism - Wiley Online Library
A review of the safety of GLP1-RAs in the context of pregnancy was thus required. Diabetes and obesity are common during pregnancy, and the prevalence of both conditions is increasing in women of reproductive age.7 The importance of the gut–brain axis in both diabetes and obesity and improved mechanistic understanding of the roles of several gut peptides have increased recently. Incretin hormones, such as Glucagon-like peptide-1 ...
5
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period - PubMed
There are limited data from human studies to guide decision-making regarding timing of discontinuation of GLP-1 RA before conception. Studies focused on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes would provide additional information regarding a safe washout period. Based on the available literature a ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
7
Use of GLP1 receptor agonists in early pregnancy and reproductive safety: a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study based on the databases of six Teratology Information Services - PMC
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and more recently for weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the risks associated with GLP1-RA exposure during early pregnancy. This ...
8
The hidden impact of GLP‐1 receptor agonists on endometrial receptivity and implantation - Sola‐Leyva - 2025 - Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Wiley Online Library
Understanding these mechanisms ... and adverse developmental outcomes for children born to women conceiving during or soon after GLP-1RA treatment. ... Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists hold promise for improving female fertility, especially in obese or PCOS ...
9
The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in reproduction: from physiology to therapeutic perspective - PubMed
GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of diabetes and obesity-related subfertility. Larger interventional studies are needed to establish the role of preconception intervention with GLP-1 based therapies, assessing fertility outcomes in obesity, PCOS, and diabetes-related ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
11
RELEVANCE of GLP-1 AGONISTS FOR INFERTILITY PRACTICE - ScienceDirect
Although available evidence indicates that acute weight loss interventions before fertility treatment, aside from GLP-1agonists, do not increase live birth rates and may even increase the risk of pregnancy loss (12, 13), achieving an optimal weight before pregnancy is crucial to prevent ...
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
12
Effects of GLP1RAs on pregnancy rate and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis and systematic review | BMC Endocrine Disorders | Full Text
Purpose This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on pregnancy rate, menses, anthropometric and hormonal parameters in PCOS patients. Methods We conducted searches of the published literature in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science ...
13
RELEVANCE of GLP-1 AGONISTS FOR INFERTILITY PRACTICE - Reproductive BioMedicine Online
GLP-1 RAs can be used in polycystic ... sex hormone-binding globulin levels (15). These properties make GLP-1 agonists an excellent alternative to improve fertility in obese women with PCOS....
Read full article
Source:
rbmojournal.com
14
Preconception glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use associated with decreased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes - ScienceDirect
However, future research is needed to define how this class of medication is best incorporated clinically into preconception health optimization. ... Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 for use in the management ...
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Male Reproductive Health—A Narrative Review - PMC
Background and objective—Obesity is a prevalent health concern that notably impairs male fertility through hormonal disruptions and other pathophysiological alterations. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can significantly reduce ...
Frontiers | Potential impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on male fertility: a fable of caution
The recent surge in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, and Ozemp...
Read full article
Source:
Frontiers
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use in pregnancy: a review - American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
A case report on use of dulaglutide ... weeks of pregnancy in woman affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus · Acta Diabetol. 2023; 60:137-138 ... Minis, E. ∙ Stanford, F.C. ∙ Mahalingaiah, S. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period · Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2023; 30:273-279 ... Cesta, C.E. ∙ Rotem, R. ∙ Bateman, B.T. ... SafetyofGLP-1 receptor ...
GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss and fertility: Social media and online perception versus evidence-based medicine - PMC
The injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs are commonly used for weight loss among reproductive-aged women but the perception of their impact on fertility is not clear among the public. The purpose of this review was ...
GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and pregnancy: Evolving and emerging evidence - ScienceDirect
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is increasing in young adults, posing significant risks around pregnancy. Obesity also i…
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
6
GLP-1 Agonists and Fertility: What Physicians Need to Know
Additionally, if a patient is planning to get pregnant, Younglove recommends they stop taking GLP-1 medications at least 2 months before trying to conceive. · If a patient is considering starting in vitro fertilization (IVF), there’s also a cause for concern about how the medications will ...
Read full article
Source:
medscape.com
10
For some women with infertility, GLP-1s may hold an unexpected benefit: Pregnancy
If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio · GLP-1 use may improve fertility for some women with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinicians should counsel women about risk for unintended pregnancy when starting GLP-1 therapy.
Read full article
Source:
healio.com
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
Connection Between Pregnancies and GLP-1 Agonists
And Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists are helping people live healthier lives. But what you may not expect is that you can be more likely to get pregnant if you or your partner take these medications. It’s a phenomenon that gave rise to #Ozempicbabies on social media.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.