Medication (including weight loss medication)
Some medications aren’t safe during pregnancy. If you’re trying for a baby or you’re already pregnant, talk to your GP about anything you’re taking to make sure it’s safe.
Don’t stop taking medication before talking to your doctor – they’ll help you weigh up the benefits versus risk of taking them while pregnant (depending on what condition you’re taking them for).
Weight loss medications
Weight loss medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, are becoming more common, but they’re not safe during pregnancy.
If you’re taking them, it’s important to use contraception and follow any specific guidance for your medication. For instance, if you’re on the contraceptive pill and taking Mounjaro, barrier contraception (like condoms) is recommended for the first four weeks and after every dose increase. Side effects like sickness and diarrhoea can also make the Pill less effective.
If you become pregnant while taking weight loss medication, speak to your doctor straight away.
Weight loss medications should be avoided well before a planned pregnancy. How long depends on the drug – for instance:
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): avoid for one month
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy): avoid for two months
- Exenatide (Bydureon BCise): avoid for 12 weeks
When planning a pregnancy, it’s important to focus on eating a healthy diet that provides adequate amounts of key nutrients like iron, iodine, omega 3 fats and calcium. This helps support your nutrient stores during and after pregnancy, and your baby’s development.
Eating well before and during pregnancy is especially vital if your intake has been reduced while you’ve been on weight loss medications and also to support your long-term weight management.
The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare have more information in their patient leaflet here.
More information on healthy eating can be found here.
