Mounjaro and pregnancy: why it isn't safe
It's not safe to use Mounjaro while pregnant. Learn about the risks associated with Mounjaro and pregnancy.
Wondering if Mounjaro is safe for pregnancy?
The answer is clear: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next couple of months, you should not use Mounjaro (tirzepatide). That's because the effects of tirzepatide could cause harm to your unborn baby.
Let's explore why in this guide to tirzepatide pregnancy risks.
Why is Mounjaro unsafe during pregnancy?
Mounjaro helps people lose weight by mimicking the natural hormones our bodies produce after eating. When taking the drug, we feel fuller for longer with smaller portions. And because Mounjaro also helps control blood sugar, we experience fewer hunger-inducing glucose spikes.
It can help people lose weight quickly and safely, but rapid weight loss isn't recommended when you're pregnant. Losing weight too quickly while pregnant may be linked to poor fetal development and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Contraception while using Mounjaro
If you take Mounjaro and there's a chance you could get pregnant, you should always use a recommended contraceptive. These include barrier methods like condoms and non-oral contraceptives like implants, coils and patches.
This is important because of:
- Unplanned pregnancy risks: Mounjaro is not safe if you get pregnant unexpectedly.
- Interactions with oral contraceptives:
tirzepatide can make oral contraceptive pills less effective, especially when you first start treatment or increase your dose.
Learn more about the
side effects of weight loss drugs.
Thinking about pregnancy in the future?
If you're planning to try for a baby, you must stop taking Mounjaro at least two months before. This gives the medication time to fully leave your system and reduces any possible risk to your unborn child.
If you do become pregnant while on Mounjaro, you must stop treatment straight away and contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Breastfeeding and Mounjaro
Mounjaro and similar GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), are not recommended while breastfeeding. Wegovy is known to be excreted in breast milk, so it is safest to avoid both drugs while breastfeeding.
So, what can you do?
We know it might be disappointing that you can't take Mounjaro while pregnant. But the fact is that you shouldn't be actively trying to lose weight in any way while pregnant.
You may be motivated to lose the weight to help reduce the risk of complications and protect your baby, but losing weight won't do this.
The best way to protect your health and the health of your baby is to stay active and eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you weren't active before pregnancy, it's wise to speak to your midwife or doctor before starting an exercise plan.
It's also very important to go to all of your antenatal appointments. This is so your midwife and other health professionals can help with any issues that might crop up.
You can always come back to medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy once you've had your baby and finished breastfeeding. And the obesity experts at SemaPen are always here to help you take them safely and effectively with our supportive medical weight loss plans.
This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.
