Ozempic and Pregnancy
Introduction
Ozempic, an injectable medication used for weight loss, has raised questions among patients and medical practitioners alike concerning its implications for pregnancy. This blog will shed light on the relationship between Ozempic and pregnancy and provide a comprehensive understanding based on recent research. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a patient seeking reliable information, this article will answer your questions and provide clarity on this complex topic.
What is Ozempic and What is it Used For?
Ozempic, generically known as semaglutide, is an injectable weight loss medication. It falls under the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and it works by mimicking the functions of the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar levels and slows digestion.
By slowing digestion, the drug induces a feeling of long-lasting fullness, which subsequently reduces users' food intake.
Can You Use Ozempic While Pregnant?
The safety of Ozempic for pregnant individuals has not been firmly established. There is a lack of well-controlled studies on humans, but preliminary animal studies have indicated Ozempic use may have adverse effects on the fetus.
Therefore, it's crucial for individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to have a consultation with their healthcare provider before using Ozempic.
What are the Risks of Using Ozempic During Pregnancy?
Ozempic's effects on pregnant women and developing fetuses are not fully understood, which makes its usage during pregnancy unadvisable. Animal studies have shown adverse developmental outcomes when Ozempic was administered during pregnancy. While these findings may not translate directly to humans, they underscore the potential risks of using Ozempic while pregnant.
If you use Ozempic while pregnant, you may face an increased risk of miscarriage, fetal harm, and birth defects. For this reason, it's crucial that individuals planning a pregnancy discuss this subject with a doctor before using Ozempic.
How Long Should You Be Off Ozempic Before Trying to Get Pregnant?
It's recommended that women discontinue their use of Ozempic at least two months before trying to conceive. This is because the drug is classified as a pregnancy category C medication, which means there's potential risk to the fetus, as demonstrated in animal studies.
Can You Breastfeed While Taking Ozempic?
As for breastfeeding, research is not conclusive as to whether Ozempic passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. For this reason, healthcare professionals typically advise against it.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before using Ozempic while nursing. It's crucial to take into account the health of both mother and child when starting any new medication.
What Should You Do if You Become Pregnant While Taking Ozempic?
If you become pregnant while taking Ozempic, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. The impact of Ozempic on pregnancy is not thoroughly studied, but the medication can be hazardous to the fetus.
Your healthcare provider can discuss the risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing the medication and help you make an informed decision.
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- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07#:~:text=Ozempic%20works%20by%20mimicking%20a,the%20effect%20of%20bariatric%20surgery.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/semaglutide-pregnancy#:~:text=Why%20Doctors%20Say%20It's%20Not%20Safe%20to%20Take%20Semaglutide%20During%20Pregnancy&text=Semaglutide%20is%20not%20recommended%20during,low%20birth%20weight%2C%20and%20miscarriage.&text=Semaglutide%20(Ozempic)%20is%20a%20medication,off%2Dlabel%20for%20weight%20loss.
- https://www.goodrx.com/ozempic/ozempic-and-pregnancy
- https://dailynurse.com/ozempic-and-pregnancy-what-every-expectant-mother-should-know/#:~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20since%20the,significantly%20outweigh%20the%20potential%20risks.
January 15, 2024
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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