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Evidence section

GLP-1 medicines and pregnancy

Reviewed and signedLast updated 2026-09-18Reviewed by two pharmacists registered in British Columbia, 2026-09-18

Two pharmacists registered and practising in British Columbia read this page against the study pages and papers it lists and signed it. Their names are withheld from the site and held on file; their registration is confirmed on request.

GLP-1 medicines are not recommended in pregnancy, but exposure in early pregnancy happens before a pregnancy is known. The studies in this hub looked at outcomes after such exposure. They are observational, the numbers of exposed pregnancies are still small, and the pages say so. This hub is for understanding the evidence, not for deciding what to do; that conversation belongs with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Studies in this section (4)

GLP-1 medicines in early pregnancy: the InPreSS birth defect study

Plain-language summary of a large study of GLP-1 and other diabetes medicines taken around conception and birth defect rates, for Canadian readers.

2024Reviewed and signed

GLP-1 medicines in the first trimester: a study of 168 pregnancies

Plain-language summary of a six-centre study of 168 pregnancies exposed to GLP-1 medicines in the first trimester, written for Canadian readers.

2024Reviewed and signed

Continuing a GLP-1 medicine into early pregnancy: a US study

Plain-language summary of a 2026 US study comparing continued versus stopped GLP-1 medicine dispensing in early pregnancy, for Canadian readers.

2026Reviewed and signed

GLP-1 medicines and pregnancy outcomes: a 2026 pooled review

Plain-language summary of a 2026 systematic review pooling seven studies of GLP-1 medicine exposure in pregnancy and birth outcomes, for Canadian readers.

2026Reviewed and signed

Other evidence sections

Semaglutide studies explainedTirzepatide studies explainedEmerging weight-management medicinesLiraglutide, naltrexone-bupropion and orlistat studiesSetmelanotide and rare genetic obesityWhat happens when weight-management medicines are stoppedLifestyle programs, dietitians and diabetes preventionBariatric surgery studiesSide effects and safety studiesHow people use GLP-1 medicines outside trialsCanadian guidelines and cost studiesEating disorders and behavioural weight management

How to read these pages

Every page in this section explains one published study. The numbers are reported as the researchers published them, with a link to the paper on PubMed. Pages say what a study cannot tell you and never rank one medicine against another. They are education, not medical advice. For how a medicine is used and paid for in Canada, see medicines, public drug coverage by province and compare services.

Reviewed and signed by two pharmacists registered in British Columbia, 2026-09-18.