Scientists cautiously suggest GLP-1s are safe to use around pregnancy - Ep. 63

GLP-1 pregnancy safety: what new science really says about Ozempic and Wegovy before, during, and after pregnancy Unique deep-dive into GLP-1 receptor agonists and pregnancy with real-world data from 49,569 exposed pregnancies Make safer, evidence-informed decisions about GLP-1 weight loss drugs while trying to conceive, during early pregnancy, and while breastfeeding What You'll Learn: • How the latest St Andrews 2024 data on 49,569 pregnancies changes what we know about GLP-1 pregnancy safety • What an adjusted risk of 1.02 for major congenital malformations actually means for Ozempic and pregnancy and Wegovy and pregnancy • How GLP-1 receptor agonists compare with insulin and metformin for miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defect risk • Why scientists are cautiously optimistic yet still recommend stopping semaglutide and similar GLP-1 weight loss drugs at least 2 months preconception • Practical questions to ask your doctor if you’re on GLP-1s while trying to conceive or in early pregnancy • How to think about GLP-1 drugs, fertility, and preconception planning, including realistic timelines to come off treatment • Considerations around GLP-1 drugs and breastfeeding safety based on current evidence gaps • How a projected $90 billion GLP-1 market may influence research, regulation, and messaging around weight loss injections and pregnancy About the Guest: This episode does not feature an external guest. Your host synthesizes the latest peer-reviewed evidence, regulatory guidance, and real-world data to help you navigate complex decisions around GLP-1 use and reproductive health. Episode Content: 00:00 - Introduction and why GLP-1 pregnancy safety matters now 04:12 - Overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide, and others) 09:30 - The St Andrews 2024 review: 49,569 GLP-1–exposed pregnancies explained 15:45 - Major congenital malformations, miscarriage, and stillbirth: breaking down the risk numbers 22:18 - Are GLP-1s safe in early pregnancy? What we can and can’t say yet 28:40 - Preconception planning on GLP-1: how long to stop before trying to conceive 34:55 - Weight loss injections, fertility, and PCOS: nuanced considerations 41:10 - GLP-1 drugs and breastfeeding: current evidence and big unknowns 47:05 - How a $90B GLP-1 market shapes research, guidelines, and patient counseling 53:20 - Practical questions to discuss with your own clinician 59:00 - Key takeaways and caution about unverified claims Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, during preconception, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.