Khaberni - Drugs like "Ozempic" have contributed to an increase in pregnancies known as "Ozempic babies", but stopping these medications at the beginning of pregnancy may lead to significant health risks.
Recent research conducted by "Mass General Brigham" Hospital reveals worrying results showing that women who stop using the popular GLP-1 medications for obesity and diabetes treatment, such as "Ozempic" and "Wegovy", before pregnancy or during its early stages, gained an average of 7.2 kg more compared to women who never used these medications.
What is more concerning is the notable increase in rates of serious complications, with a 30% increase in the risk of gestational diabetes, a 34% increase in the risk of preterm birth, and a 29% increase in high blood pressure disorders associated with pregnancy.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural hormones produced by the intestines, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite.
However, once their use is discontinued, these effects disappear quickly, often leading to weight regain and loss of appetite control, explaining the significant weight increase observed by researchers during pregnancy.
Particularly concerning is the link between prior use of these medications and higher rates of gestational diabetes. While this condition can usually be managed through diet and monitoring, neglecting its treatment can lead to serious complications for both the mother and child, ranging from heart issues in the mother to future obesity in the child.
As for high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy, which the study showed are linked to the use of GLP-1 medications, these can lead to life-threatening complications such as strokes and heart attacks.
On the bright side, the study did not show any notable increase in rates of cesarean delivery or issues related to abnormal weights and lengths of newborns. However, these findings collectively point to a significant knowledge gap in caring for women who rely on these medications before pregnancy.
Dr. Camille Poe, the lead researcher in the study, explains: "There is an urgent need for more studies to balance the known benefits of GLP-1 medications before pregnancy with the potential risks associated with suddenly stopping them. We need to develop better protocols to help manage weight and reduce health risks during this critical transition period."
