If you're taking Ozempic and considering pregnancy, or if you've discovered you're pregnant while on the medication, you likely have important questions about safety. Here's what you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) and pregnancy.
The Short Answer: No
Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy. The FDA classifies it as a medication that may cause fetal harm based on animal studies. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, stop taking Ozempic and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
What the Research Shows
There are no adequate human studies on semaglutide use during pregnancy. What we know comes from animal studies:
- Animal studies showed embryo-fetal abnormalities at doses below human therapeutic levels
- Findings included skeletal abnormalities and reduced fetal growth
- These findings were observed in both rats and rabbits
- The relevance to humans isn't fully established, but the risk is concerning
Key Recommendations
Stop Ozempic Before Trying to Conceive
Novo Nordisk recommends discontinuing Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. This allows the medication to clear from your system (semaglutide has a half-life of about 1 week, taking approximately 5 weeks to fully clear).
Use Effective Contraception
While taking Ozempic, use reliable birth control. Note that Ozempic may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying. Consider additional or alternative contraceptive methods.
If You Become Pregnant While Taking Ozempic
Stop the medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider. They will discuss monitoring options and next steps. Don't panic—exposure doesn't guarantee harm, but monitoring is important.
The "Ozempic Baby" Phenomenon
You may have heard about "Ozempic babies"—unplanned pregnancies in women taking GLP-1 medications. This happens because:
- Weight loss can restore ovulation in women with PCOS or obesity-related infertility
- GLP-1 medications may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
- Some women weren't aware they needed to use contraception
Increased Fertility Warning
Weight loss itself can significantly increase fertility. If you've struggled with infertility related to weight or PCOS, be aware that you may become fertile again while losing weight on Ozempic—even if you weren't before.
What About Breastfeeding?
There's no data on whether semaglutide passes into breast milk. Given the lack of safety information, Ozempic is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider if you're nursing.
Alternatives During Pregnancy
If you need to manage blood sugar or weight during pregnancy:
- For diabetes — Insulin is the preferred treatment during pregnancy
- For weight management — Diet and exercise modifications are safest
- For gestational diabetes — Work with your healthcare team for individualized management
Planning Ahead
If you're thinking about pregnancy, talk to your doctor about transitioning off Ozempic well in advance. The 2-month washout period gives you time to adjust and ensures the medication is out of your system before conception. Many women successfully use Ozempic to reach a healthier weight before becoming pregnant, then discontinue it when ready to conceive.