For people trying to conceive, there’s a lot to think about—from tracking cycles to improving overall health. One topic that’s increasingly coming up in fertility conversations is the use of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro, or Zepbound (tirzepatide). These medications, often called GLP-1 receptor agonists or “weight-loss injections,” have become extremely popular. They can be genuinely helpful for people living with obesity or insulin resistance, improving overall metabolic health and assisting with weight management.
But if you’re trying to get pregnant, you’ll likely have heard advice that you should stop these injections and wait around two months before trying to conceive. This is standard guidance from manufacturers and widely recommended by clinicians. But why is it such important advice?
Let’s break it down.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic naturally occurring hormones involved in appetite regulation, digestion, and blood-sugar control. They:
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slow stomach emptying
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reduce appetite
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help regulate insulin
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support weight loss
For many people, they can be life-changing. But pregnancy brings a completely different set of hormonal and physiological needs—ones that these medications aren’t currently proven to support.
Why You Should Stop These Medications Before Trying to Conceive
1. Lack of Safety Data in Pregnancy
The biggest reason is simple: we do not yet have enough research to confirm that GLP-1 medications are safe during pregnancy.
Animal studies have shown potential risks—such as reduced foetal growth, embryo loss, or developmental issues—at levels similar to human dosing. Because of this, manufacturers advise avoiding the medication during pregnancy as a precaution.
So, it is best, until robust clinical human safety data exists, stopping the medication is the safest choice for the baby.
2. Long “Wash-Out” Time
Semaglutide and tirzepatide stay in your system for a long time because of their long half-lives. It can take several weeks for levels to drop low enough that they’re not expected to affect a developing embryo.
That’s why guidance generally recommends waiting at least two months after your final injection before trying to conceive.
This period gives your body time to:
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clear the medication
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rebalance appetite hormones
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stabilise blood sugar levels naturally
3. Potential for Rapid Weight Regain
Many people experience a quick return of appetite once they stop GLP-1 medications. The body may regain weight rapidly, which can:
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affect ovulation
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impact menstrual regularity
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influence insulin sensitivity
These are all important factors in conception, especially for women with PCOS or metabolic conditions.
Waiting a couple of months allows you and your healthcare provider to manage your weight naturally, or with safer pregnancy-compatible strategies before you start trying.
4. Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies
Because GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and slow digestion, some people find they:
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don’t eat enough
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struggle to get adequate nutrition
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lose weight too quickly
When trying to conceive, your nutrient stores—especially folate, iron, and B vitamins—are crucial. Poor intake can make it harder to get pregnant and may increase risks early in pregnancy.
Stopping the medication helps restore regular eating patterns and allows time to rebuild nutritional reserves before conception.
5. Unpredictable Impact on Early Pregnancy Hormones
Early pregnancy relies on a delicate balance of hormones. GLP-1 drugs influence:
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insulin
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glucagon
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appetite hormones
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gastric motility
Because these processes are tightly linked with early foetal development, experts simply don’t know whether altering them with medication is safe during the first weeks of pregnancy—often before you even know you’re pregnant.
Stopping treatment before trying to conceive helps avoid exposure during this critical window.
Are There Fertility-Specific Concerns?
Yes—several factors may complicate conception if you continue taking these medications:
Potential Effects on Ovulation
Some people notice irregular periods while on GLP-1 drugs due to:
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rapid weight loss
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changes in calorie intake
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hormonal shifts
Regular ovulation is key to conception, so any disruption can make timing much more difficult.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite are common side-effects. These can impact:
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energy levels for trying to conceive
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nutrient intake
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overall wellbeing
Impact on Partner Fertility
There is currently little research on the impact of GLP-1 medications on sperm quality. However, because safety data is lacking, many clinicians advise male partners who take these medications to discuss discontinuation with their doctors when trying to conceive.
Why This Advice Matters
Pausing your medication may feel frustrating—especially if you’ve finally found a weight-loss tool that works for you. But the goal of pre-pregnancy planning is to create the safest environment possible for both parent and baby.
The two-month waiting period is not arbitrary. It:
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ensures the medication has left your system
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reduces uncertainty around early foetal development
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allows time to stabilise weight
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supports healthy ovulation and menstrual cycles
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gives you a chance to optimise your nutrition
Your long-term health matters, but so does the health of the pregnancy you’re planning for. Taking that short pause puts you in the best possible position.
What If You Became Pregnant While Taking a GLP-1 Medication?
If you discover you’re pregnant while still taking the injections:
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stop the medication immediately, and
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contact your GP, midwife, or fertility specialist for advice
Accidental exposure early in pregnancy is not uncommon. Don’t panic—your care team can assess any potential risks and decide on the best next steps. Do not restart the medication until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless cleared by your doctor.
Healthy Weight Management While Trying to Conceive
If weight management is part of your fertility journey, there are safe ways to support this without GLP-1 medications, including:
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dietitian-guided nutrition plans
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low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, strength training)
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managing insulin resistance (if applicable)
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addressing PCOS-related metabolic symptoms through approved treatments
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mental-health support, especially around appetite and eating behaviours
A healthcare professional can help design a plan tailored to your needs.
Need Personal Advice?
Everybody is different, and the safest plan for one person may not look the same for another. If you’re unsure whether to stop your medication, how long to wait, or how to manage your weight during this time:
👉 Speak to your GP, pharmacist, fertility specialist, or weight-management clinician.
👉 Ask about a personalised pre-conception plan from IVF Matters.
👉 Get help transitioning off your medication safely.
Your reproductive health deserves the right support.
Final Thoughts
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Weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be incredibly helpful tools—but they’re not suitable when trying to conceive.
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Stopping them about two months before trying isn’t just cautious; it’s evidence-based advice designed to protect you and your future baby.
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Give your body time to reset. Rebuild your nutritional foundation. And get personalised advice to support you through the transition.
If you’re preparing for pregnancy and have questions about GLP-1 medications:
👉 Reach out to a healthcare professional or your Fertility Consultant for clinically sound guidance today.
👉 Don’t make changes to your medication without medical advice.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—support is available at every step.
Reach out to the Experts
Whether you're just starting out, have been trying to conceive for some time, or you’d just like a second opinion, we’ll work with you to give you the best possible chance of success.
Schedule a FREE Advisory Call.
Book a Consultation with our Fertiliy Expert, Dr Koita.
You deserve expert advice and care.
IVF Matters – your trusted partner on the journey to parenthood.
