There is no clear increase in complications for mothers and babies among women who are on weight loss jabs when they have an unplanned pregnancy, according to new research.
However, experts stress that the findings are observational and the current recommendation of stopping GLP-1 drugs before a planned pregnancy should continue to be followed.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a group of medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes and help people lose weight. They include semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Researchers at City St George’s, University of London, said that as these drugs are not recommended during pregnancy and safety data remains limited, it is “important” to understand the impact of exposure around conception.
The review of 10 studies included more than two million women.
More than 8,000 were exposed to weight loss drugs around the time of conception.
The analysis found “no clearly detectable increase” in a number of complications such as miscarriage, birth defects, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure conditions during pregnancy, excessive weight gain, or babies being unusually small or large at birth when compared with women who were not exposed to GLP-1s.
Asma Khalil, professor of obstetrics and maternal foetal medicine in the School of Health and Medical Sciences at City St George’s, University of London, said: “Healthcare professionals are seeing more women who become pregnant while taking these GLP-1 medications.
“For many women, discovering they were taking one of these drugs before they realised they were pregnant can be a source of enormous anxiety.
“One of the questions we are most commonly asked is whether this exposure could have harmed their baby.”
Prof Asma said the findings, which are published in Cell Press journal Med, are “reassuring” and “will help clinicians provide evidence- based advice to women who find themselves in this situation”.
“However, it is important to stress that our findings do not establish that these medications are safe during pregnancy,” she added.
“The evidence remains observational and current recommendations to discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonists before a planned pregnancy should continue to be followed.
“The message for patients is that if you discover you were taking one of these medicines before you knew you were pregnant, you should not panic.
“Speak to your healthcare team, who can provide personalised advice and support.” – PA Media/dpa
