Planning a pregnancy on Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound or Mounjaro? Here is what each label says about when to stop, and what to plan with your prescriber.
Thinking about getting pregnant is exciting, and it comes with a to-do list. If you’re on a GLP-1, put “talk to my prescriber about when to stop” near the top.
Animal studies raised concerns, and there isn’t enough human data to show these medicines are safe in pregnancy. Some GLP-1s also stay in the body for weeks after your last dose, so stopping takes time to “wash out.”
| Medication | What the label says about planning |
|---|---|
| Wegovy / Ozempic (semaglutide, weekly) | Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy |
| Wegovy pill / Ozempic pill / Rybelsus (semaglutide, oral) | Same ingredient. Ask your prescriber how the 2-month advice applies |
| Zepbound / Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Stop if pregnancy is recognized. Agree a stop date with your prescriber |
| Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide | Same ingredients. Follow your prescriber’s plan |
Don’t panic, and don’t take your next dose until you’ve contacted your prescriber. Many pregnancies are only noticed after a few weeks. Your prescriber and OB-GYN will guide you from there.
Stopping can bring back appetite and some weight. Ask your prescriber:
Don’t forget your birth control: if you’re on tirzepatide and the pill, your backup windows still apply until you stop.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3–6 months before trying | Tell your prescriber and OB-GYN you’re planning. Book a preconception visit |
| At that visit | Agree your last-dose date, a plan for nutrition and weight, and when to start prenatal vitamins (folic acid) |
| After your last dose | Keep using contraception until your prescriber says it’s time. For semaglutide, the label says at least 2 months |
| Trying to conceive | Keep tracking your cycle. Periods may shift as your weight changes |
ACOG recommends a pre-pregnancy check for everyone, and it’s especially useful if you’re on a GLP-1. You can review your other medicines, your blood pressure and blood sugar, and a nutrition plan for coming off the medication.
Many people find their appetite comes back after stopping a GLP-1, and some weight may return. That’s normal and expected. Planning ahead with your care team (meals, movement, support) helps you feel prepared rather than surprised.
Some women, especially with PCOS, find their cycles become more regular as they lose weight, which can make pregnancy more likely than expected. If you’re not ready yet, make sure your contraception is reliable, particularly on tirzepatide with the pill.
Semaglutide has a half-life of about a week, so it takes several weeks to clear. That’s the reason for the 2-month advice.
Yes. And if you use the pill, Zepbound can make it less effective, so plan contraception carefully.
Only your prescriber can advise on that. Never stop or start a medicine without talking to them.
There isn’t enough data yet. Talk to your prescriber and pediatrician before restarting while breastfeeding.
Contact your prescriber and OB-GYN as soon as you know. Don’t take your next dose until you’ve spoken to them.