When Amina, a 32-year-old nurse from London, found out she was pregnant, her first thought wasn’t just joy—it was worry. She had been taking Wegovy for type 2 diabetes and stopped as soon as her period was late, but she couldn’t shake the fear: had those few weeks of medication harmed her baby? She’s not alone. Millions of women around the world are now using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight management or diabetes, and many pregnancies happen before anyone knows they’ve conceived.
Now, a major new study offers real reassurance. Led by Professor Asma Khalil at City St George's, researchers analyzed data from over 2.1 million pregnancies—including 8,325 where mothers were exposed to GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or tirzepatide in the six months before a positive pregnancy test. This is the largest review of its kind ever conducted. The results, published in the journal Med, show no clearly detectable increase in risks like miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, preterm birth, or complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
For women who unknowingly take these medications around conception, the findings are a relief. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, and while they’re not approved for use during pregnancy, many women stop only after they get a positive test—often several weeks into early pregnancy. Until now, there’s been little evidence to guide them. But this study shows that periconceptional exposure—that window before and just after conception—doesn’t appear to raise red flags for mother or baby.
Still, the researchers are cautious. "These findings are reassuring," says Professor Khalil, "but they do not establish that these medications are safe during pregnancy." The data come from observational studies, which can spot patterns but can’t prove cause and effect. That means current advice still stands: women planning pregnancy should stop GLP-1 drugs and consult their doctors. But for those caught off guard, panic isn’t needed. Talking to a healthcare provider remains key.
The impact goes beyond individual peace of mind. With millions of women of reproductive age now using these widely prescribed medications, clear, evidence-based guidance is essential. This study helps fill a critical gap, offering clarity in a time of uncertainty. And while more research is underway, including long-term follow-ups and clinical trials, one message is already clear: if you took a GLP-1 drug before knowing you were pregnant, you’re not alone—and you don’t need to fear the worst.