Surprise Pregnancies Linked to GLP-1 Medications Highlight Obesity and Fertility Connection

The rise of “Ozempic babies” has garnered attention nationwide, spotlighting the unexpected link between GLP-1 medications, weight loss, and enhanced fertility. Originally developed for diabetes management, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have also shown surprising benefits, including significant weight loss, improved cardiovascular and kidney health, and now, a possible boost in fertility.

As more women turn to these medications to address obesity or diabetes, reports are surfacing of unexpected pregnancies—often from women who struggled with fertility for years. The phenomenon, dubbed “Ozempic pregnancies,” has become a growing topic on social media platforms and in medical practices across the U.S. Women share their journeys under hashtags like #OzempicBaby, connecting over their experiences of newfound fertility after using these medications.

How Do GLP-1 RAs Impact Fertility?

While GLP-1 medications were initially designed to treat diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar and appetite, they’ve also had notable effects on weight loss. On average, patients in clinical trials have lost 15%-20% of their total body weight. For individuals dealing with obesity, this significant reduction in weight often restores ovulation, regulates menstrual cycles, and balances estrogen levels—all key factors in fertility.

Obesity can raise estrogen to abnormally high levels, causing hormonal imbalances that disrupt ovulation and periods. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is common in women with obesity, further complicate fertility by elevating testosterone levels, causing insulin resistance, and leading to irregular periods and infertility. However, losing even 10% of body weight through GLP-1 treatments can help stabilize these hormones, improve ovulation, and, in some cases, lead to an unplanned pregnancy.

In men, GLP-1 medications may also enhance fertility by improving semen quality, concentration, and motility—especially in those with obesity.

The Safety of GLP-1 Medications During Pregnancy

Given the unexpected pregnancies linked to GLP-1 medications, many women are understandably concerned about the safety of these drugs during pregnancy. Research in this area is limited, and current FDA guidelines recommend stopping GLP-1 RAs at least two months before trying to conceive. This is because the medication can stay in the body for weeks after the last dose, and the impact on pregnancy and fetal development is not fully understood.

Some observational studies have shown no significant increase in birth defects among women who were unknowingly pregnant while taking GLP-1 medications. However, without conclusive data, it remains unclear whether these medications pose any risks to the baby. Animal studies have suggested that GLP-1 use during pregnancy may be linked to lower birth weights, although it’s uncertain if this is due to the medication itself or maternal weight loss during pregnancy—a condition that is generally discouraged.

Breastfeeding mothers are also advised against using GLP-1 medications, as the drug can be transferred through breast milk and may affect the baby’s development.

Optimizing Health Before and During Pregnancy

Obesity poses several risks during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and the need for a cesarean section. Working with a healthcare provider to manage weight before and during pregnancy can help mitigate these risks and promote a healthy pregnancy. Even modest weight loss before pregnancy can make a significant difference in fertility and overall health outcomes for both mother and baby.

At specialized clinics like UT Southwestern’s Weight Wellness Program, patients can receive tailored advice on weight management strategies, including GLP-1 medications, lifestyle changes, or bariatric surgery when appropriate. By working closely with an interdisciplinary team of Ob/Gyns, endocrinologists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, women can receive comprehensive care to optimize their health and fertility.

GLP-1 medications have revolutionized diabetes and weight loss treatment, and their potential effects on fertility are becoming more evident. As more women share their experiences of “Ozempic pregnancies,” it’s clear that these medications may play a surprising role in helping individuals who have struggled with infertility.