First International Guidelines for Pregnancies After Weight-Loss Medication: Stop Once Pregnancy is Confirmed

Healthcare providers now have clear international guidelines for managing pregnancies in women who have used popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. An international expert panel, coordinated by KU Leuven in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, has developed these new practice guidelines.

The REproduction And LIFEstyle (REALIFE) research group at KU Leuven, working with the University of Plymouth, created the guidelines for treating women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant after taking weight-loss medication. Professor Roland Devlieger, a gynecologist at KU Leuven-UZ Leuven, noted that this scenario is becoming increasingly common. "Until today, there was hardly any guidance for doctors, midwives, and other healthcare providers," he stated. "With these guidelines, we offer a practical framework that supports safe and quality care for women planning a pregnancy."

A key finding during the guideline development was that women do not need to stop the medication excessively long before attempting to conceive. However, the medication must be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Researchers also indicated that unintended exposure shortly before or in the early stages of pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of congenital abnormalities.

The experts also provide advice on contraception. For instance, when using tirzepatide, the active substance in medications like Mounjaro, it is recommended to use non-oral contraceptives. The researchers have also issued recommendations on lifestyle guidance and the potential reintroduction of the medication after childbirth. The full guidelines are published in the journal 'Obesity Reviews'.

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Until today, there was hardly any guidance for doctors, midwives, and other healthcare providers. With these guidelines, we offer a practical framework that supports safe and quality care for women planning a pregnancy.