US OB-GYNs group release first-ever rules for GLP-1 use in pregnancy
Guidance on pregnancy use
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published guidelines Friday on using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes during pregnancy and after birth. The group advises pregnant women to avoid the medications.
Questions about breastfeeding
The guidelines also note uncertainty about the drugs and breastfeeding. LaCoursiere said GLP-1 drugs affect caloric and nutrient absorption, and researchers do not know how that may affect breast milk.
The guidance does not specify whether or when postpartum women who did not qualify for a prescription before pregnancy should take the drugs. Its authors said they will update the recommendations as research develops.
Prescriptions have increased
The guidance follows research released earlier this month showing that more new mothers in the United States are taking GLP-1 drugs. Researchers at the University of Southern California reported a 24-fold increase in the share of new mothers receiving prescriptions between 2018 and 2025.
Key points
- The guidelines advise against GLP-1 use during pregnancy.
- Doctors should recommend stopping the drugs one to two months before trying to conceive.
- New mothers’ prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs rose 24-fold from 2018 to 2025.
- Researchers say evidence about effects on pregnancy and breast milk remains limited.