Can pregnancy occur while taking Wegovy (semaglutide)?

From the Guidelines

Yes, you can get pregnant while taking Wegovy (semaglutide), and it is essential to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy due to the potential risks to the developing fetus. Wegovy is not a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy. In fact, weight loss medications like Wegovy may actually increase fertility in some women, particularly those who have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where weight affects ovulation 1.

Key Considerations

• If you are taking Wegovy and do not wish to become pregnant, you should use an effective form of birth control.
• If you are planning to become pregnant or discover you are pregnant while taking Wegovy, you should stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
• This is because there is limited data on the safety of semaglutide during pregnancy, and animal studies have shown potential risks to the developing fetus 1.

Important Safety Information

• All medications, including Wegovy, are contraindicated in individuals who are or may become pregnant.
• Individuals of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding the use of reliable methods of contraception.
• Select safety and side effect information is provided; for a comprehensive discussion of safety considerations, please refer to the prescribing information for each agent 1.

Recommendations

• Your doctor can help you determine the best approach to managing your weight during pregnancy and can discuss alternative strategies that are safe for both you and your baby.
• It is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby, and any decisions regarding medication use during pregnancy should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider 1.

From the Research

Pregnancy and Medications

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the use of Wegovy during pregnancy.
• However, the studies discuss the use of various medications, including metformin, glyburide, and insulin, for managing diabetes in pregnancy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Metformin is considered a relatively safe option for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, with benefits including reduced gestational weight gain and fetal size 3, 5.
• Insulin is also considered safe and is often the preferred treatment for gestational diabetes, as it does not cross the placenta and has an established safety profile 2, 4.

Medication Safety in Pregnancy

• The safety of medications during pregnancy is a critical consideration, and the available evidence suggests that metformin and insulin are relatively safe options for managing diabetes in pregnancy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Glyburide, on the other hand, is no longer recommended as a first-line therapy for gestational diabetes due to concerns about its safety and efficacy 2.
• The use of any medication during pregnancy should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare provider to minimize potential risks to the mother and fetus.

Gestational Diabetes Management

• Gestational diabetes is a significant public health concern, and effective management is crucial to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes 5.
• Lifestyle and dietary measures are often the first line of treatment, but pharmacologic agents such as metformin and insulin may be necessary for some women 2, 4, 5.
• Early initiation of metformin may have benefits, including reduced insulin initiation and improved glycemic control, but further research is needed to confirm these findings 6.