Can you take tirzepatide while pregnant? What you need to know

Can you take tirzepatide while pregnant? Questions about Zepbound and pregnancy are common, especially as more people use GLP-1 medications for weight loss. 

Tirzepatide isn’t recommended during pregnancy due to limited human safety data and potential fetal risks seen in animal studies.

Maybe you’re using tirzepatide and thinking about pregnancy or researching whether you can take Zepbound or Mounjaro while pregnant. Perhaps you’ve become pregnant unexpectedly. Whatever the case may be, here’s what to know about safety, birth control, and how to manage your health moving forward.

No, you shouldn’t take tirzepatide while pregnant. There’s also currently no human clinical trial data confirming tirzepatide's safety during pregnancy. Plus, weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy and may even increase the risk of fetal harm or pregnancy complications. Pregnancy usually requires some weight gain to provide enough energy and nutrients for both the mother and the developing baby.

This is why healthcare providers typically recommend stopping tirzepatide if you’re pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you're taking tirzepatide and find out you're pregnant, contact your provider right away so they can help you transition to a pregnancy-safe plan.

See if you qualify

Tirzepatide isn’t recommended during pregnancy because there’s not enough human research to confirm it’s safe for a developing fetus.

There are no adequate studies in pregnant people to determine if tirzepatide increases the risk of birth defects, preterm delivery, low birth weight, or other complications affecting the pregnant person or baby.

Concerns about Zepbound or Mounjaro and pregnancy largely come from animal studies. In those studies, exposure to tirzepatide was linked to fetal abnormalities and reduced offspring weight. But it’s not clear whether these outcomes were caused by the drug itself, the mother’s weight loss, or other factors.

Side effects that could affect pregnancy

Tirzepatide commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. These symptoms happen because the medication slows stomach emptying and affects appetite signals.

During pregnancy, getting enough calories and nutrients is important to support fetal growth and development. Significant nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss could make it harder for some people to maintain balanced nutrition.

That said, tirzepatide hasn’t been studied in pregnant people, so researchers don’t know how these side effects might influence a fetus.

Stop taking tirzepatide at least 30 days before trying to conceive. This is the average length of time it takes for tirzepatide to leave the body. Some people may prefer to add a few more weeks as an additional safety buffer to be sure the medication has fully cleared.

Tirzepatide can also change how oral contraceptives are absorbed, which could increase the chance of pregnancy, even when pills are taken correctly.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or adding a barrier method (like condoms) when taking tirzepatide.

This should be done for four weeks after starting tirzepatide and for four weeks after each dose increase. If you’re planning a pregnancy, speak with a healthcare provider about when to stop tirzepatide and how to manage your health before conception.

Posts about unexpected pregnancies while using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have been trending on social media.

The hashtag #ozempicbabies has gained attention, with anecdotal reports describing unintended pregnancies, including in people using oral birth control or those with fertility challenges.

Why can fertility improve on tirzepatide?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are well-established in managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, but researchers have also been investigating their effect on people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

In studies of people with PCOS, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exenatide were associated with reductions in body weight and body mass index (BMI). Researchers also observed improvements in glucose regulation, menstrual regularity, and rates of natural pregnancy.

More regular periods can be a sign that ovulation is happening more consistently. As cycles become more regular and ovulation more predictable, the chance of becoming pregnant may rise. This can sometimes lead to an unintended pregnancy if reliable birth control isn’t being used.

How does tirzepatide affect birth control pills?

Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying, which can affect how medications are absorbed, including oral contraceptives. That means birth control pills may not be absorbed consistently, particularly after starting tirzepatide or after a dose increase. 

To reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy, patients are advised to switch to or add a non-oral contraceptive method for four weeks after starting tirzepatide and for four weeks after each dose increase.

Better birth control options while on tirzepatide

If you’re taking tirzepatide, it’s typically best to rely on birth control methods that don’t depend on gastrointestinal absorption, often referred to as barrier birth control. 

Barrier birth control options include:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

• Contraceptive implants

• Vaginal rings

• Barrier methods, such as condoms

A healthcare provider can help determine which option is most appropriate.

If you find out you're pregnant while taking tirzepatide, contact your healthcare provider right away. They'll review your overall health and talk through any potential risks with you.

Your provider will also help you figure out the safest way to manage your health through pregnancy, whatever that looks like for your specific situation.

Because GLP-1–based medications aren’t recommended during pregnancy, treatment is usually adjusted to options that have more established safety data in pregnancy, such as insulin.

Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy is also associated with risks to both the mother and fetus, which makes careful treatment planning essential.

The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as safely possible before and during pregnancy to reduce risks for both the parent and the developing fetus.

The manufacturer of tirzepatide, Eli Lilly and Company, is collecting safety information about tirzepatide and pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using tirzepatide, you can participate in its pregnancy exposure registry by calling 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979)

Managing diabetes carefully during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications for both the parent and the baby. Studies show that higher blood sugar levels in early pregnancy are linked to a higher risk of certain birth defects affecting the brain, heart, kidneys, and spine.

Because many of the organs begin developing in the first weeks of pregnancy, experts recommend getting blood sugar levels as close to normal as safely possible before trying to conceive.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or you become pregnant while taking tirzepatide, your healthcare provider can help you transition to a treatment plan that’s considered safer during pregnancy.

Safe medication alternatives

Some diabetes medications have more established safety data in pregnancy. Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes during pregnancy because it doesn’t cross the placenta and allows for precise blood sugar control. The right option depends on your medical history, glucose levels, and overall health.

Your provider will weigh the benefits and risks of each option to help you maintain stable blood sugar throughout pregnancy.

Lifestyle approaches that work

Lifestyle changes can play a central role in managing blood sugar during pregnancy. Diet and physical activity are both well-supported strategies for helping keep glucose levels within target ranges.

A balanced pregnancy diet should provide enough nutrients to support fetal growth while helping prevent blood sugar spikes after meals. 

Carbohydrates have the most direct effect on blood sugar after meals. A minimum of 175 grams of carbohydrates per day is recommended for individuals with gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy). The total amount depends on the person, but the focus should be on choosing high-fiber, complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates should mainly come from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains rather than refined sources. And protein choices matter, too. Boosting your protein intake from plant sources, fish, and lean meats while cutting down on red and processed meats may help improve insulin sensitivity.

Moderate-intensity physical activity is also recommended during pregnancy, with at least 150 minutes per week spread across multiple days.

For people with gestational diabetes, exercise such as walking, cycling, or circuit training three times per week for 40–60 minutes at moderate intensity is generally recommended. A healthcare provider can help determine what type and level of activity is safe during pregnancy.

See if you qualify

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication and thinking about tirzepatide and pregnancy, medical guidance is crucial. Ro gives you 24-hour access to licensed healthcare providers who can help you plan safely.

If you’re currently on tirzepatide or another GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy (semaglutide) on Ro, your provider can help you determine when to stop, review safer alternatives, and create a plan to manage your weight or blood sugar before conception.

And if you become pregnant unexpectedly, your care team can guide you through the next steps and adjust your treatment accordingly. 

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) isn’t recommended during pregnancy because human safety data are inadequate and animal studies have shown potential fetal risks. Here’s what to know:

• Pregnancy safety: There isn’t enough data in pregnant patients to know whether tirzepatide increases the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, or other complications affecting the pregnant person or baby. Animal studies reported defects, but with an unclear cause.

• Planning ahead: In healthy adults, it can take an average of 30 days for most tirzepatide to be cleared from the body, which is why it’s helpful to plan ahead before trying to conceive.

• Birth control considerations: Tirzepatide may affect the absorption of oral contraceptives. It’s recommended to switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method like condoms for four weeks after starting tirzepatide and for four weeks after each dose increase.

If you’re pregnant or wondering if you can take tirzepatide while pregnant, contact a healthcare provider right away for guidance and a plan that supports a healthy pregnancy.