First of all, congratulations!! So many women who have tried to get pregnant in the past without success are finding suprise pregnancy to be one of the side effects of using a GLP-1. There’s many reasons why this may be the case but we won’t get into that today. The point is, you are pregnant!
Now, don’t panic. I know our first inclination is often to panic call every doctor we know and google until the cows come home. From my understanding, we don’t need to freak out. Lets dissect the info that we do have!
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of drugs commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and, more recently, obesity. These drugs work by increasing insulin release, suppressing glucagon release, and promoting satiety, among other effects.
Regarding pregnancy, GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally not recommended during your pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Here’s what we know (and no, it’s not a lot unfortunately.)
GLP-1 Medications and Pregnancy:
Category C or B for Pregnancy: The safety of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy is not well established. Most of these medications are classified as Category C (for example, liraglutide), which means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Some GLP-1 drugs may be classified as Category B (for example, exenatide), which means animal studies have shown no harm to the fetus, but again, there is a lack of data in humans.
Animal Studies: Some animal studies have suggested that GLP-1 agonists could potentially lead to negative outcomes, such as delayed fetal development or other issues. However, human data is limited.
Basically, it’s probably safe to say that if you just found out your pregnant and have been on the drug for a few weeks, you are going to be Ok but i’ts smart to stop taking it asap.
Risks to Pregnant Women:
Hypoglycemia and Other Side Effects: Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes often need to adjust their medications for safety. Since GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, these could potentially complicate pregnancy. More importantly, tight blood glucose control is essential during pregnancy, and the effects of GLP-1 drugs on blood sugar regulation can vary, potentially increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Effects on Fetal Development: Although there isn’t definitive evidence to support harmful effects on fetal development, the FDA typically advises against the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists during pregnancy unless no safer alternatives are available.
Most healthcare providers recommend discontinuing GLP-1 receptor agonists once pregnancy is confirmed. Women with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare provider to switch to insulin or other pregnancy-safe medications for blood sugar management during pregnancy.
What about Use During Breastfeeding:
Limited data exists on the use of GLP-1 agonists while breastfeeding, but many experts recommend caution. Because these drugs can pass into breast milk, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the safest approach. We don’t want to be feeding our babies an appetite suppresant. It sounds like it’s in everyone’s best interest to nurse that baby and then make further decisions about your healthcare.
Alternatives:
Insulin: For managing diabetes during pregnancy, insulin remains the preferred treatment option as it has been extensively studied and shown to be safe for both mother and baby.
Lifestyle Modifications: Diets high in protein, legumes, veggies and other whole foods and exercise should be prioritized to manage blood glucose levels in the safest way possible. A healthy diet can be so hard when all you want is cookies (or pickles and bananas?!) but our nutrition during pregnancy is a huge deal when it comes to the health of our baby and our body during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Get those beans in girl!
Consult a Healthcare Provider!! If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while on a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it’s crucial to discuss medication adjustments with your healthcare provider. They will help ensure both your health and the health of the baby are prioritized.
Until we have more information and studies on this topic, work closely with your doctor to decide whats best for you. These drugs have been on the market for a long time but it wasnt until recently with the addition of obesity to their uses that we’ve seen this uptick in pregnancy cases so the info isn’t great. Whatever you decide, enjoy this moment! You’re going to be a parent!
