GLP-1 Drugs Taken Around Pregnancy Show No Increased Risk of Birth Defects in New Study

A University of St Andrews study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology finds that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic taken around pregnancy do not increase the risk of major birth defects. The research represents the largest systematic review ever conducted on this topic, analyzing more than 49,000 pregnancies exposed to these weight-loss medications over a 20-year period. The findings offer reassurance to women who may have inadvertently taken these drugs during early pregnancy, though researchers still recommend avoiding them during pregnancy until more data is available.

GLP-1 Drug Safety During Pregnancy Study Findings

• ▪A University of St Andrews study suggests weight-loss drugs like Ozempic taken around pregnancy do not raise the risk of major birth defects.
• ▪The University of St Andrews study on GLP-1 receptor agonists during pregnancy was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Study Scope and Methodology

• ▪The University of St Andrews study reviewed more than 49,000 pregnancies exposed to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• ▪The University of St Andrews study on GLP-1 receptor agonists represents the largest ever systematic review of pregnancies exposed to these drugs.
• ▪The University of St Andrews study on GLP-1 receptor agonists covered a period of 20 years.

Perspective of University of St Andrews researchers

• ▪The University of St Andrews researchers describe their findings on GLP-1 drugs and birth defects as reassuring for women who may have been exposed during pregnancy.
• ▪The University of St Andrews researchers caution that women should still avoid GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy until more data becomes available.
• ▪The University of St Andrews researchers note that their systematic review provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on GLP-1 receptor agonist safety during pregnancy.

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