Short answer: No — GLP-1 medicines (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) are not recommended during pregnancy. If you could become pregnant, plan to stop the medicine at least 2 months before trying to conceive. They are also not advised while breastfeeding because there isn’t enough safety data. One tirzepatide-specific point: it can make some birth-control pills less reliable. This is a “talk to your doctor and plan ahead” situation — do not stop or start anything on your own.
Why they’re not used in pregnancy. There is not enough human safety data, and animal studies showed potential harm to the developing baby. Because of this, the labels advise against use in pregnancy. Rapid weight loss itself is also not a goal during pregnancy.
Stopping before a planned pregnancy. The medicine takes time to clear the body, so guidance is to discontinue at least 2 months before you try to conceive:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) clears over roughly 5–7 weeks; the Wegovy label advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) clears faster (~4 weeks); stopping at least 2 months before conception is likewise advised.
If you find out you’re already pregnant while taking one, contact your doctor promptly — they’ll advise stopping and discuss next steps. Don’t panic, but do get in touch quickly.
Birth control — a tirzepatide-specific note. Tirzepatide can reduce the effectiveness of oral (pill) contraceptives, especially when you start it or increase the dose. Women using the pill are advised to add a barrier method (or switch to a non-oral contraceptive) for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase. Ask your clinician what fits you.
Breastfeeding. There isn’t enough data to be sure these drugs are safe during breastfeeding, so most guidance is to avoid them while nursing, or to decide with your clinician whether to stop the drug or stop breastfeeding — weighing how much you need the medicine.
Where the kidneys come in. This page is about pregnancy safety, not a kidney-specific risk. But if you have kidney disease and are planning a pregnancy, that’s a high-stakes situation that should be managed with your nephrology and obstetric teams together — including how to control weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar safely without a GLP-1 during that time.
Bottom line. GLP-1 drugs are not for use in pregnancy and generally not while breastfeeding. If pregnancy is possible or planned, stop at least 2 months ahead, mind birth-control reliability (especially with tirzepatide), and plan the transition with your doctor.
Full guides: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and Your Kidneys and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and Your Kidneys.
Related questions
Can I take Ozempic or Mounjaro while trying to get pregnant? No — plan to stop at least 2 months before trying to conceive, since the medicine needs time to clear and isn’t recommended in pregnancy. Coordinate the timing with your doctor.
What if I got pregnant while taking a GLP-1? Contact your doctor promptly. They will typically advise stopping the medicine and discuss monitoring. It’s not a reason to panic, but do reach out quickly.
Is it safe to breastfeed on a GLP-1? There isn’t enough safety data, so it’s generally avoided while nursing. Discuss with your clinician whether to pause the drug or not breastfeed while taking it.
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Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Amir S. Naderi, MD, FASN. Last updated: July 8, 2026. Educational information only — not medical advice. Never change or stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.