What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?

What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about them? This month, The Conversation’s experts explore their rise, impact, and potential consequences.

We’ve heard a lot about the impacts of Ozempic recently, from rapid weight loss and lowered blood pressure, to persistent vomiting and “Ozempic face”. Now we’re seeing a rise in stories about “Ozempic babies”, where women who use drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) report unexpected pregnancies.

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But does semaglutide improve fertility? And if so, how? Here’s what we know so far.

Remind me, what is Ozempic?

Ozempic and related drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1-RAs) were developed to help control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. But the reason for Ozempic’s huge popularity worldwide is that it promotes weight loss by slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite.

How does obesity affect fertility?

Obesity affects the fine-tuned hormonal balance that regulates the menstrual cycle. Women with a body mass index (BMI) above 27 are three times more likely than women in the normal weight range to be unable to conceive because they are less likely to ovulate. The metabolic conditions of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both linked to obesity and fertility difficulties.

So how might Ozempic affect fertility?

Weight loss is recommended for people with obesity to reduce the risk of health problems. As weight loss can improve menstrual irregularities, it may also increase the chance of pregnancy in women with obesity. This is why weight loss and metabolic improvement are the most likely reasons why women who use Ozempic report unexpected pregnancies.

Avoid Ozempic if you’re trying to conceive

It’s unclear if semaglutide can be harmful in pregnancy. But data from animal studies suggest it should not be used in pregnancy due to potential risks of fetal abnormalities. That’s why the Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends women of childbearing potential use contraception when taking semaglutide.

What if you get pregnant while taking Ozempic?

For those who conceive while using Ozempic, deciding what to do can be difficult. This decision may be even more complicated considering the unknown potential effects of the drug on the fetus. While there is little scientific data available, the findings of an observational study of pregnant women with type 2 diabetes who were on diabetes medication, including GLP-1-RAs, are reassuring. This study did not indicate a large increased risk of major congenital malformations in the babies born.

Conclusion

While Ozempic has been linked to unexpected pregnancies, the relationship between the drug and fertility is complex. Women considering or currently using semaglutide before, during, or after pregnancy should consult with a health provider about how to best manage their condition.

FAQs

Q: Can Ozempic increase my chance of getting pregnant?
A: While Ozempic may improve fertility in women with obesity, the relationship between the drug and fertility is complex. There is limited scientific data available on the topic.

Q: Is it safe to take Ozempic while trying to conceive?
A: The Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends women of childbearing potential use contraception when taking semaglutide. Women who are trying to conceive should consult with a health provider about the best way to manage their condition.

Q: What should I do if I get pregnant while taking Ozempic?
A: Women who conceive while using Ozempic should consult with a health provider about the best way to manage their condition and the potential effects of the drug on the fetus.

Q: Is there a link between Ozempic and fertility difficulties?
A: There is limited scientific data available on the topic. However, the metabolic conditions of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both linked to obesity and fertility difficulties.