Ozempic Babies: Are Weight-Loss Drugs Causing Surprise Pregnancies?

So, you’ve been hearing whispers about Ozempic babies all over TikTok, your group chat, and maybe even from your bestie who swears she got pregnant the moment she started taking the stuff.

But what exactly is an Ozempic baby, and is there really a baby boom linked to this diabetes (and now wildly popular weight-loss) drug?

Let’s break it down.

In this article: 📝

What is an Ozempic baby?

An “Ozempic baby” refers to an unexpected pregnancy that happens while someone is taking Ozempic (aka semaglutide). [1]

Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has become a go-to for weight loss, but some users are getting a surprise side effect: positive pregnancy tests.

The name itself has gone viral, with social media flooded with personal stories, theories, and a mix of shock and excitement.

Some people are calling it the newest “miracle baby” trend, while others are frantically checking their contraception.

What makes an Ozempic baby different from any other unplanned pregnancy? The element of surprise.

Many people who conceived while on Ozempic either thought their fertility was impaired, weren’t actively trying, or were on birth control they believed was reliable.

So, when those two pink lines appeared, it was a total plot twist.

The buzz around Ozempic babies isn’t just about how people are getting pregnant — it’s also about what this says about the drug’s unexpected effects on the body.

Is it increasing fertility? Messing with contraception?

Doctors are still trying to figure it all out, but one thing’s for sure: Ozempic babies are now a thing, and people have questions.

What is the Ozempic baby boom?

The so-called Ozempic baby boom refers to the apparent increasing number of unexpected pregnancies in people taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound (semaglutide-based meds).

It’s become enough of a thing that fertility experts are paying attention.

But is there actually any truth in it?

Does Ozempic weaken birth control?

Short answer: no, not directly. But here’s where it gets tricky.

Ozempic can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (fun, right?), which can mess with how well oral birth control pills are absorbed.

If your body (ahem) expels your pill before it has a chance to do its job, your contraception might not be as effective.

Some experts suggest using backup contraception if you experience prolonged vomiting or diarrhea while on Ozempic, just to be on the safe side.

Can you have an Ozempic and IUD pregnancy?

Yes, while IUDs are highly effective, no birth control is 100% foolproof.

There have been reports of people with an IUD becoming pregnant while taking Ozempic, but this is likely due to the slight failure rate of IUDs rather than Ozempic itself.

If you have an IUD and become pregnant while on Ozempic, seek medical advice as soon as possible, as an ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants outside the uterus) is a risk with IUD pregnancies.

If you have an IUD and become pregnant while on Ozempic, seek medical advice as soon as possible, as an ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants outside the uterus) is a risk with IUD pregnancies.

Does Ozempic impact fertility?

Surprisingly, yes — in ways that researchers are still figuring out.

Losing weight can improve ovulation, especially for people with conditions like PCOS, and since Ozempic is being prescribed (off-label) as a weight-loss treatment, there’s some correlation between Ozempic improving fertility. [2]

But it’s in the weight loss, not necessarily the effects of the drug itself.

According to a Frontiers in Endocrinology study, weight loss through GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may help balance hormones, making it easier to conceive. [3]

But remember, Ozempic isn’t designed to be a fertility treatment, so always chat with your doctor if you’re TTC (trying to conceive) while on it.

Does Ozempic prevent pregnancy?

No, Ozempic is not a contraceptive.

While it might have effects on weight and hormones that could influence fertility, it does not actively prevent pregnancy.

If you’re sexually active and not planning to conceive, make sure you’re using an effective birth control method alongside Ozempic.

Has anyone got pregnant on Ozempic?

Yes, but not as many as you might think.

It seems like whenever you’re scrolling through social media, up pops yet another story of someone who accidentally got pregnant while on Ozempic or another semaglutide, or they were trying for years, then suddenly found success when they started taking the drug.

But in reality (because, let’s face it, social media isn’t exactly reality), medical professionals say these cases are actually relatively rare, considering how many people are taking semaglutides like Ozempic and how many pregnancies there are with people taking them. [2]

Ozempic and other semaglutides seem to be the weight loss drug du jour, so it’s only natural for us to see lots of stories about them in our social feeds.

Can Ozempic cause a false-positive pregnancy test?

There’s currently no scientific evidence to suggest that Ozempic can cause a false-positive pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that Ozempic doesn’t interfere with.

However, if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms or a questionable test result, it’s best to take another test or consult your doctor for confirmation.

Does Ozempic affect reproduction?

Ozempic affects your body’s metabolism, which can help with weight loss, which in turn can influence reproductive hormones in people who are ‘overweight’.

A study in Reproductive Biology found that weight loss medications like semaglutide might help restore regular ovulation in some people. [4]

But it’s not a guaranteed fertility booster for everyone.

Is Ozempic safe during pregnancy?

Currently, the official advice is a no, unless there’s a proven benefit to the fetus.

The FDA categorizes Ozempic as a pregnancy risk due to potential harm to the baby. [6]

If you’re pregnant or trying, have a talk with your doctor as soon as you find out, because they might recommend that it’s best to pause Ozempic until after delivery or breastfeeding.

What happens if you accidentally get pregnant on Ozempic?

First, don’t panic.

If you find out you’re pregnant while taking Ozempic, reach out to your doctor ASAP.

The current recommendation is to stop taking the medication immediately, as its effects on fetal development aren’t fully understood.

Do semaglutides cause birth defects?

We wish we could tell you definitively whether semaglutides like Ozempic are linked to birth differences, but there’s limited data on Ozempic and pregnancy since it’s a relatively new player on the fertility scene.

Animal studies have shown some risks, but human data is still sparse.

Some studies suggest that while semaglutide can impact fetal development in animals, the same hasn’t been conclusively proven in humans yet. [5]

That said, most docs recommend stopping Ozempic before trying to conceive, to be on the safe side.

When to stop Ozempic before pregnancy?

Most healthcare providers suggest stopping Ozempic at least two months before TTC.

According to another recent study, semaglutide can linger in your system for weeks, so giving your body time to adjust is key. [7]

Ozempic is shaking things up — from weight loss to unexpected pregnancies.

If you’re on it (or considering it), make sure you’re clued up on how it could impact your fertility and pregnancy plans.

And, as always, talk to your doctor about your options.

Whether you’re trying to avoid pregnancy or hoping for that BFP (big fat positive), knowing the facts is everything.