Tirzepatide, sold under brand names like Mounjaro and Zepbound, is one of the most popular new medications for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
But if you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, the safety of tirzepatide becomes a very different conversation.
Research on tirzepatide and pregnancy is still limited, so understanding what is known, what isn’t, and how to make safe choices is essential.
GET HELP WITH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable that works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it different from other medications like semaglutide, which only target GLP-1.
Studies show this dual action helps regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and support weight loss.
Because so many women of childbearing age are using tirzepatide, questions about fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are coming up more often.
Why Tirzepatide Raises Concerns in Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes how the body processes nutrients and medications.
Since tirzepatide is designed to alter metabolism and cause weight loss, using it while pregnant could affect both the mother and the developing baby.
Weight loss itself is not recommended during pregnancy, and the lack of strong human research makes the risks harder to define.
Human Data on Tirzepatide and Pregnancy
So far, there are no large-scale human trials on tirzepatide use in pregnancy.
Most of the available data comes from studies on GLP-1 drugs as a group, not tirzepatide specifically.
Findings from these studies suggest:
- A possible higher risk of babies needing NICU care
- Increased rates of low birth weight in exposed pregnancies
- No consistent evidence of major birth defects, though the data is limited
Because tirzepatide is newer than drugs like semaglutide, there is even less information available.
Until more is known, the safest approach is to avoid it during pregnancy.
What Experts and Guidelines Say
According to the FDA and other medical authorities, tirzepatide should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk and safer alternatives are usually available.
Similar organizations also recommend stopping tirzepatide before trying to conceive.
When to Stop Tirzepatide Before Pregnancy
Tirzepatide stays in the body for weeks after your last dose.
Because of this, many doctors recommend stopping the drug one to two months before attempting to get pregnant.
Reliable birth control is also important while taking tirzepatide to avoid unplanned exposure during early pregnancy.
What If You Get Pregnant While on Tirzepatide?
If you find out you’re pregnant while taking tirzepatide:
- Stop the medication immediately and call your doctor.
- Don’t panic, the risks are still being studied, and many women exposed to similar medications go on to have healthy pregnancies.
- Expect closer monitoring from your healthcare provider, such as additional ultrasounds to track growth and development.
Tirzepatide and Breastfeeding Safety
There is no human data on whether tirzepatide passes into breast milk.
Animal studies suggest there may be risks, which is why experts recommend avoiding tirzepatide while breastfeeding.
Tirzepatide and Fertility
Some GLP-1 drugs have been studied in women with PCOS, where they appear to improve insulin resistance and potentially support fertility.
However, tirzepatide itself is not approved as a fertility treatment, and its effects on fertility remain unclear.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide in Pregnancy
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has slightly more data in pregnancy compared to tirzepatide, but both are not recommended due to limited human research and concerning animal findings.
If you’re searching specifically for “tirzepatide vs semaglutide in pregnancy,” the key takeaway is that neither drug is considered safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
SEE IF TIREPATIDE OR SEMAGLUTIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Practical Takeaways
- Tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Stop the medication at least one to two months before trying to conceive.
- If pregnancy occurs while on tirzepatide, discontinue immediately and speak with your doctor.
- For diabetes during pregnancy, insulin is the preferred and safest option.
- Always work with a healthcare provider to plan treatment before, during, and after pregnancy.
Conclusion
Tirzepatide has proven effective for weight loss and diabetes management, but pregnancy is a time when safety takes priority.
With little human data the current guidance is to avoid tirzepatide during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you’re planning to conceive, talk with your doctor about when to stop the medication and what alternatives may be better for you and your baby.
At CardioMender, MD, we help patients achieve their health and weight loss goals safely, with personalized plans that adapt to your stage of life.
Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, currently expecting, or managing your health postpartum, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs
Is tirzepatide safe during pregnancy?
No. There is not enough human data, and animal studies show risks, so experts recommend avoiding it.
How long before pregnancy should I stop tirzepatide?
Most doctors recommend discontinuing the drug at least one to two months before trying to conceive.
Can tirzepatide cause miscarriage?
There isn’t enough data to know for sure, but because of potential risks, doctors recommend avoiding tirzepatide if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Is tirzepatide safe while breastfeeding?
There is no human research on tirzepatide and breastfeeding. To minimize risk to infants, it should be avoided.
Does tirzepatide affect fertility?
GLP-1 medications may support fertility in some women with PCOS, but tirzepatide is not approved as a fertility treatment, and its effects on fertility are not fully understood.
What happens if you get pregnant on tirzepatide?
If you become pregnant while taking tirzepatide, the first step is to stop the medication and contact your doctor right away. Human data is limited, but animal studies show potential risks to the baby. Your healthcare provider may recommend closer monitoring, such as additional ultrasounds, to check for growth and development. Many women exposed early in pregnancy go on to have healthy outcomes, but medical supervision is important.
Does semaglutide affect fertility?
Semaglutide hasn’t been proven to harm fertility, and in some cases GLP-1 drugs have even been studied for women with PCOS because they may improve ovulation by reducing insulin resistance. However, semaglutide is not approved as a fertility treatment, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on fertility in both men and women.
