Oh Baby! Rise in Unexpected Pregnancies Tied to Ozempic

Women using the popular weight loss drug Ozempic are reporting yet another surprising side effect: pregnancy! For some, it’s happening despite being on birth control or having prior fertility issues, and doctors point to a few potential reasons why.

First, Ozempic and other medications containing semaglutide are designed to help regulate insulin levels, which can lead to clearer pathways for ovulation. Fat cells produce estrogen, and too much of the hormone can negatively impact the function of the ovaries or the endometrial lining. Weight loss decreases the estrogen in the body and corrects the hormonal imbalances that could be in the way of a successful pregnancy. Obesity has long been a factor in fertility, particularly for women who already suffer from metabolic disorders or ovulation disorders like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Even a small amount of weight loss -- 5-10 pounds -- can be enough to increase the chance of getting pregnant. While these medications don’t increase fertility, they do help the body shed excess weight and regulate hormonal imbalances.

Another reason being reported anecdotally online is that semaglutide medications may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. There still is not clinical data to verify these claims, but it's recommended to take your birth control at the same time each day for the best effectiveness. If you take both these medications and birth control pills, check with your doctor to see if using an additional form of birth control as extra protection is a good option for you.

If you suspect you may be pregnant while taking Ozempic and other semaglutide medications, stop the medication and notify your doctor, as taking these medications while pregnant may lead to miscarriage and birth defects.