GLP-1 medications are generally not recommended during pregnancy. This includes semaglutide products such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, along with tirzepatide products such as Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The American Diabetes Association's 2026 pregnancy guidance says that noninsulin injectable glucose-lowering medications do not have enough long-term safety data for use during pregnancy. FDA labeling also recommends stopping semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Weight loss is not a treatment goal during pregnancy.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You are pregnant and taking a GLP-1 for weight loss | Contact your prescriber and obstetrician promptly. FDA labeling says to discontinue Wegovy or Zepbound once pregnancy is recognized. |
| You are taking a GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes | Contact your diabetes clinician promptly to arrange a pregnancy-safe treatment plan. Do not leave diabetes untreated. Insulin is the preferred medication for type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. |
| You took a dose before realizing you were pregnant | Do not panic. Tell your obstetrician or prescriber the medication name, dose, and date of your last injection. Available human data are limited, but studies have not shown an increased birth-defect signal so far. |
Why Are GLP-1 Medications Avoided During Pregnancy?
GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying. They can also cause nausea, vomiting, and reduced food intake. Weight loss and inadequate nutrition are not treatment goals during pregnancy.
Animal studies of semaglutide and tirzepatide have raised concerns about fetal growth and development. Animal findings cannot predict exactly what will happen in humans, but they are one reason these medications are not recommended during pregnancy.
When medication is needed to manage diabetes during pregnancy, the American Diabetes Association recommends insulin for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Its 2026 guidance does not recommend noninsulin injectable glucose-lowering medications because long-term safety data are insufficient.
What If You Became Pregnant While Taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound?
Contact your obstetrician and prescribing clinician as soon as possible. Have the following information ready:
- The exact medication, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide
- Your dose and injection schedule
- The date of your last dose
- How far along you are
- Whether you use the medication for diabetes, obesity, or another condition
An accidental early exposure does not automatically mean the pregnancy will be harmed. MotherToBaby reports that available studies of first-trimester GLP-1 exposure, including semaglutide exposure, have not shown an increased chance of birth defects. The number of well-studied pregnancies remains limited, so your clinician may recommend additional monitoring.
If you use a GLP-1 to control diabetes, do not stop all diabetes treatment without a replacement plan. Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase the risks of miscarriage, birth defects, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
How Long Before Pregnancy Should Semaglutide Be Stopped?
The FDA labeling for semaglutide products recommends stopping semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because the medication has a long elimination period. Ask your clinician for individualized guidance before stopping contraception or trying to conceive.
Bottom Line
If you are pregnant, do not take a GLP-1 medication unless a specialist has specifically determined that its potential benefit outweighs the risk. Contact your obstetrician or prescriber after an unplanned dose. If you take the medication for diabetes, arrange a replacement treatment plan rather than leaving your blood sugar untreated.