Can I get pregnant on Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications?

So, you’ve started taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication (like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus) to help with weight loss or manage your blood sugar, and now you’re wondering: Can I still get pregnant while taking this medication? In this article, we’ll walk through what we know (and don’t yet know) about GLP-1s and fertility, whether these medications are safe to take during pregnancy, and what your options are if you become pregnant. We’ll also cover how GLP-1s may affect birth control and whether it’s safe to have an abortion while on these medications. Let’s break it all down, so you can feel informed and supported no matter where you are in your health journey.

If you’re looking for a birth control method that works for your current health needs, Hey Jane offers over 100 options including methods like pills, patches, rings, shots, and non-hormonal ones. Learn more about how to consult with an expert provider online here.

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What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have been making headlines lately for how well they help regulate blood sugar and support weight loss. Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are now being prescribed off-label for weight loss—even to people without diabetes. These medications mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and makes you feel fuller longer. That combo can lead to weight loss and better metabolic health.

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Can you get pregnant while taking Ozempic or other GLP-1s?

Yes, you can still get pregnant while taking GLP-1 medications, but it’s a little complicated. If you’re sexually active and not using birth control, you can absolutely get pregnant while on GLP-1s. These meds don’t prevent pregnancy—they just help regulate insulin and appetite. 

There’s not a ton of research on how GLP-1 medications directly affect fertility, but weight loss itself can play a big role in reproductive health. Maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles, and this can make it much easier for people to get pregnant (especially if they have PCOS). On the flip side, rapid or extreme weight loss can throw off your cycle and make it harder to conceive as your body readjusts.

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How do Ozempic and other GLP-1s interact with birth control?

Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy slow down digestion, which means if you’re taking birth control pills, they’ll move through your stomach differently and may not be absorbed properly. This means oral birth control pills might not work as well—leaving you at higher risk for pregnancy.

Is it safe to stay pregnant while on Ozempic or other GLP-1s?

The short answer is no. GLP-1 medications aren’t recommended during pregnancy because the research we have suggests they could be linked to issues with fetal growth and development, birth defects, and pregnancy loss. Most providers will tell you to stop taking your GLP-1 as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. If you’re thinking about trying to get pregnant, they might suggest switching to a different medication or adjusting your treatment plan beforehand.

If you’re considering keeping the pregnancy, your provider can help you figure out the best way to manage your blood sugar and weight gain safely. And if you’re unsure what to do, that’s okay. Your provider can walk you through your options to determine the next steps.

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What to do if you get pregnant on Ozempic or other GLP-1s

If you find out you’re pregnant while taking a GLP-1 medication, take a breath—you’ve got options. Here’s how to figure out your next steps:

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Pregnancy options

If you’re pregnant while on a GLP-1, talking to your provider is key. You can choose to continue the pregnancy or explore other options, like an abortion. Your choice is completely valid, and your health care provider can walk you through what each option means for your health and well-being.

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When and how to stop GLP-1s

Most doctors will recommend stopping GLP-1 medications as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Animal studies suggest there could be risks to the baby, but the full picture in humans isn’t clear yet, so it’s better to play it safe. Your provider can help you figure out the best way to stop the medication and recommend alternative treatments to manage blood sugar or weight during pregnancy.

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Prenatal care considerations of continuing the pregnancy

If you decide to continue the pregnancy, your health care provider will help you stay healthy along the way. Managing blood sugar is super important since it can affect you and the baby. Your provider will monitor you closely and make sure you have the right treatments to support a healthy pregnancy while keeping any risks to the baby as low as possible.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Your health care provider is there to support you—whether that means stopping GLP-1s, switching to a safer option, or navigating your pregnancy choices. Remember, you’ve got this.

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Can you take abortion pills while on Ozempic or other GLP-1s?

Yes — you can still take abortion pills while using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. There's no strong evidence that these meds make abortion pills less effective, or that it’s unsafe to take both medications at the same time. You usually don’t need to stop your GLP-1 medication to have a safe and effective abortion.

That said, the first abortion pill (mifepristone) is taken by mouth, and it's possible that GLP-1s could affect how well it's absorbed. The second pill (misoprostol) doesn’t have this issue — it’s placed under your tongue, between your cheeks and gums, or in your vagina, where it dissolves and gets absorbed directly.

At Hey Jane, we care for patients who are on GLP-1s and help them keep an eye on their symptoms to make sure the treatment works. If you’re on Ozempic and have a medication abortion, take note if you don’t bleed much or still feel pregnant, then check in with your provider who might recommend follow-up testing.

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No matter what you decide, you deserve to feel supported and informed. Your health care provider can help you navigate the best course of action based on your health, medication, and personal situation. If you need help with birth control or abortion services, Hey Jane has your back with judgment-free, expert care—all from the comfort of your home.