Women across the country are sharing their experiences with unexpected pregnancies while taking weight loss medications, leading to what they call ‘Ozempic babies.’ These women have reported intense side effects after abruptly stopping the drugs to protect their unborn children.
Despite being on birth control or having fertility issues, some women have found themselves pregnant while taking medications like Ozempic. Upon discontinuing the drugs cold turkey, they have experienced extreme hunger and rapid weight gain, symptoms that surpass the norm for pregnancy.
Experts suggest that the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy could exacerbate the withdrawal effects of weight loss medications. While it is advised to cease taking these drugs at least two months before planning a pregnancy, women who discover they are pregnant must stop immediately, foregoing the typical weaning-off process.
In light of the increasing number of women facing pregnancy while on weight loss medications, medical professionals recommend prompt consultation with doctors, particularly for those using drugs like Ozempic for diabetes treatment.
One woman, Amanda Brierley, shared her story of taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, to manage insulin resistance from PCOS. Despite being told she couldn’t conceive naturally due to past complications, Brierley unexpectedly became pregnant after starting the medication.
It is speculated that medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, WeGovy, and Zepbound may enhance fertility by addressing hormonal imbalances linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. Some of these drugs could also interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills, heightening the risk of pregnancy.
Following animal studies indicating potential risks of miscarriage and birth defects, Brierley discontinued semaglutide immediately upon learning of her pregnancy. She soon experienced overwhelming hunger for protein-rich foods, unlike her previous pregnancy cravings. This led to a significant weight gain during her pregnancy, far exceeding her previous experience.
These accounts highlight the complex interplay between weight loss medications, pregnancy, and hormonal changes, underscoring the importance of careful medication management and monitoring for women of childbearing age.
