GLP-1 RA drug use before and in early pregnancy could be linked to better birth outcomes

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-04-02 05:00

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Use of GLP-1 RA weight loss/diabetes drugs before pregnancy and around the time of conception may be linked to improved birth outcomes, according to international research. To investigate the possible impact of these drugs on early pregnancy, the researchers combined the results of four studies totalling nearly 37,000 pregnancies, looking at exposure to GLP-1 RAs such as Ozempic or Mounjaro in early pregnancy compared to other diabetic medications. 21% of the women using GLP-1 RAs in the study were using them around the time of conception and the rest were using them only before they conceived. The researchers say compared to other diabetes medications studies, GLP-1 RA exposure was linked to a lower chance of pregnancy/childbirth complications - especially preterm birth - and there was no link to congenital abnormalities. The researchers say obesity and excess weight contribute to pregnancy and childbirth complications, and these findings show GLP-1 RAs could have a role to play in mitigating this before conception.