Request A Consultation
Pregnant woman

Semaglutide and Pregnancy

If you’re using semaglutide, like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, for weight loss or diabetes, and you’re thinking about getting pregnant (or already are), you probably have a lot of questions.

Is it safe to stay on semaglutide while pregnant?

Can it affect your fertility or your baby’s health?

At Eternity Health Partners, we understand that balancing your health goals with pregnancy planning isn’t easy.

That’s why we help you make informed, personalized choices, whether you’re currently taking semaglutide or just exploring your options.

 

GET HELP WITH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

 

What Is Semaglutide and Why Do People Use It?

 

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

It’s used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and is now widely prescribed for weight loss under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy.

It works by helping you feel full longer, slowing digestion, and lowering appetite.

Some women also use semaglutide off-label to help manage PCOS.

Because it improves insulin resistance and supports weight loss, it can help regulate cycles and restore ovulation.

 

Can Semaglutide Affect Pregnancy or Fertility?

 

Let’s take a look at how semaglutide can affect your fertility or pregnancy:

 

It Might Make It Easier to Get Pregnant

 

Many people don’t realize that weight loss and better insulin control can make you more fertile.

For women with PCOS, this often means semaglutide helps trigger more regular ovulation.

So even if you weren’t trying to conceive, semaglutide could increase your chances of getting pregnant.

That’s led to more reports of unexpected pregnancies while on semaglutide, what some are calling “Ozempic babies.”

 

Why That Matters

 

While semaglutide may support fertility, it’s not considered safe during pregnancy.

Animal studies have shown risks like pregnancy loss and developmental issues.

There’s not enough human data yet to fully understand the risks, but healthcare providers recommend stopping semaglutide before trying to conceive.

If you’re using semaglutide and sexually active, you should be using reliable birth control until you’re ready to plan your pregnancy.

 

Is It Safe to Take Semaglutide During Pregnancy?

 

There are no large studies yet that confirm semaglutide is safe in pregnancy.

A few observational reports haven’t shown major birth defects, but the sample sizes are small, and research is still ongoing.

Because of this uncertainty, semaglutide comes with a warning: it’s not recommended during pregnancy, and it’s best to avoid it if you’re planning to become pregnant soon.

 

Potential Risks to the Baby

 

Based on existing animal research and early data, semaglutide may increase the risk of:

  • Miscarriage
  • Low birth weight
  • Birth defects
  • Breathing issues after delivery
  • Jaundice or other neonatal complications

That’s why planning ahead and talking to a provider is so important if you’re considering pregnancy.

 

How Long Before Pregnancy Should You Stop Semaglutide?

 

Semaglutide has a long half-life, it stays in your system for several weeks.

Most experts recommend stopping it at least two months before you try to conceive.

That gives your body enough time to fully clear it.

If you’re thinking about pregnancy soon, now’s the time to start talking about your options and making a plan.

 

What If You Get Pregnant While Still Taking It?

 

If you find out you’re pregnant and still on semaglutide, don’t panic but call your doctor right away.

Most providers will recommend stopping the medication immediately.

You’ll likely have some additional monitoring to make sure everything is progressing safely.

 

Are There Safer Alternatives During Pregnancy?

 

While semaglutide is not safe to take while pregnant, there are ways to stay healthy during this time.

Depending on your needs, your doctor might recommend:

  • Nutrition and exercise plans tailored for pregnancy
  • Medications like metformin or insulin if needed for blood sugar control
  • Strategies to support healthy weight gain through your pregnancy

At Eternity Health Partners, we design treatment plans that adapt to your goals.

Whether you’re coming off semaglutide or looking for safer options while pregnant, we’ll help you stay on track without putting your baby at risk.

 

How Eternity Health Partners Can Help With Semaglutide

 

If you’re currently using semaglutide, or thinking about starting, but pregnancy is also part of your journey, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

We work with people every day who are balancing weight loss goals with fertility and family planning.

At Eternity Health Partners, we offer:

  • Personalized semaglutide protocols for weight loss or PCOS
  • Support in safely stopping semaglutide before pregnancy
  • Weight loss programs that are fertility-aware and OB/GYN-friendly
  • Postpartum support, including help deciding when and how to restart semaglutide if appropriate

We’ll help you plan ahead, stay safe, and feel confident every step of the way.

Contact us to learn more about how we support your journey with semaglutide!

 

CONTACT US

 

Final Thoughts: Semaglutide and Pregnancy

 

Planning for pregnancy is exciting, but when semaglutide is part of the picture, there’s a lot to think about.

From understanding fertility changes to timing when to stop your medication, it’s not always straightforward.

That’s why we’re here.

At Eternity Health Partners, we help you make safe, smart choices that support both your health and your growing family.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us today to talk about your goals and get a personalized plan that works for you.

 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

 

FAQs: Semaglutide and Pregnancy

 

What happens if you get pregnant while on semaglutide?
If you become pregnant while taking semaglutide, contact your healthcare provider right away. Most doctors will advise you to stop the medication immediately. While human data is limited, animal studies have shown potential risks, so your provider may recommend closer monitoring throughout your pregnancy.

Can you take tirzepatide while pregnant?
Tirzepatide, like semaglutide, is not recommended during pregnancy. There is not enough human research to confirm its safety, and animal studies have shown potential risks to fetal development. If you’re planning to get pregnant, your provider will likely advise stopping tirzepatide at least two months before trying to conceive.

What are the pros and cons of Ozempic?
Ozempic can help with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and appetite regulation. However, side effects may include nausea, digestive issues, and possible long-term risks that are still being studied. It’s not safe during pregnancy and should be stopped well in advance of trying to conceive.

What are the benefits of tirzepatide vs semaglutide?
Tirzepatide may offer more significant weight loss and improved glucose control compared to semaglutide, as it targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. However, both medications have similar safety concerns in pregnancy and should be used with caution when planning for conception.

What are the benefits of retatrutide vs semaglutide?
Retatrutide is a newer medication that targets three receptors—GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—potentially offering even greater weight loss and metabolic improvements than semaglutide. It’s still being studied, and like semaglutide, it’s not approved for use during pregnancy.

Related Blogs

Eternity Health Partners helps men and women reclaim lost energy and vigor, sharpen thinking, improve memory, decrease body fat

DR. EVE HARMONY, ND

Prior to joining the team at Eternity Health Partners, Dr. Harmony worked alongside an MD in a busy General Practice clinic that specialized in primary care for all patients, as well as Hormone Replacement Therapy, IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, peptide injections, ozone treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and weight management. As a skilled diagnostician, Dr. Harmony has helped hundreds of patients to optimize their health with both Western medicine treatments and natural therapies.

As a Naturopathic Doctor with a diverse background in various healing arts, Dr. Harmony believes that people are multi-dimensional, thus existing as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual beings simultaneously. Healing therefore should also be multi-dimensional, encompassing every aspect of health and well-being. Dr. Harmony is excited to work with patients at Eternity Health Partners because the treatment modalities can improve every aspect of their lives.

MEET ELIZABETH BECKNER AND DAISHA ESCAMILLA

OUR CALIFORNIA LICENSED PHLEBOTOMISTS

Liz started doing personal blood draws after her son, Dashiell, was born with Zellwegers disease. His diagnosis required numerous blood draws and drug levels throughout his life. After sitting through long wait times at the labs followed by watching many different phlebotomists, many new to the job, struggle to find his veins, often poking him multiple times, as a seasoned phlebotomist, Liz decided to draw his blood at home and hand deliver it to the lab myself. Soon after she began doing personal touch blood draws so she can now offer that same personalized service to you.

Liz graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Biology in 1994. She moved to Santa Barbara and earned her phlebotomy certificate in 1995. Liz began working at St. Francis Medical Center in the Physical Therapy Department and quickly transferred to the Laboratory. Perfecting her venipuncture techniques on all floors of the hospital, including post-operative patients, pregnant women going into labor, sick or premature babies, and emergency room patrons, she then improved her patient care skills working for internal medicine doctors, one of whom was the Medical Director of Hospice and won Doctor of the Year. In 1999, Liz started working with a group of local retinal surgeons. Her primary job consisted of injecting dye into arm veins and photographing its flow through the patients retinal vessels. When patients are worried about their diagnosis or apprehensive about the procedure because of difficult veins, her quick, almost pain free needle stick and kind but professional bed side manner would put them at ease.

The various settings and patients Liz has encountered over the years have enabled her to become very skilled at finding the smallest and most fragile of vessels. Her specialities include infants and the elderly, diabetics of all ages, patients with rolling veins, on blood thinners or chemotherapy. She lives in downtown Santa Barbara, travels from Goleta to Carpintera and brings all the necessary supplies directly to you. All she needs from you is a lab request and your home or office becomes an instant draw station. Appointment times are very flexible, and she is friendly, reliable and punctual. Be kind to your arm and treat yourself to the luxury blood draw you deserve!!!

MEET MICHAEL BROOKINS; BS, CNMT, ABAAHP

Mike brings more than just a medical perspective to his clients; at the age of 14, he began an athletic career as a pole-vaulter that would end up taking him on an incredible journey over the next 13 years of his life. Throughout his athletic journey Mike was constantly working to find the ideal balance of fitness and proper nutrition in order to maximize his performances. Combined with his medical knowledge the years of athletic experience provide a unique and successful combination that serve to benefit his staff and clients.

“After I shifted the focus of my practice from Sports Medicine into Nuclear Medicine specifically Interventional Endocrinology. I found myself questioning our western medical paradigm…Here I was performing thyroid cancer and Hyperthyroidism treatments with harmful radical thyroid radioactive ablations which really made me take a hard look in the mirror and become more of a researcher to find safer and more effective options to better treat my clients. During my research I realized that there were very few, if any, medically directed programs focused towards achieving a “Healthier Lifestyle” rather than typical “Diet” fads.” A few years later after training and working with some of the worlds foremost Bio-identical Hormone Replacement specialists I became Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Sort of just found my passion and the answers I had been looking for with this new specialty finally after years of treating people with the Band-Aid “fix it when its broken” mentality instead of at the root cause.”

Mike has spent the last 10 years in Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine. He has trained over 120 physicians in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and consulting for their practices. Today his vision is a reality, and clients from all of the world come to benefit from the successful programs that have been established at Age Management Institute Santa Barbara. He firmly believes in educating the patient about the importance of good nutrition, hormone balance, stress management, and regular exercise is the key to aging well and having a high quality of life well into your golden years.