Postpartum GLP-1 Prescriptions Are Rising: What New Moms Should Know
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In recent years, prescriptions for GLP-1 receptor agonists among people who just gave birth have surged. That spike seems driven partly by the popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight management and by postpartum individuals wanting a “reset” after pregnancy. Cultural pressure to “bounce back” and limited time for traditional diet or exercise routines also play a role.
Some may also perceive dual benefits from GLP-1 drugs — potentially managing metabolic health while shedding pregnancy-related weight.
But rising numbers don’t equal safety or suitability. The postpartum period is a unique biological phase. That context matters when evaluating whether GLP-1s make sense.
This article is for general education. It is not medical advice. Always talk with a licensed clinician before making decisions about medication during pregnancy, postpartum, or breastfeeding.
Why postpartum GLP-1 prescriptions are rising
A recent analysis of 382,277 pregnancies in Denmark showed a major increase in postpartum GLP-1 prescriptions between 2018 and mid 2024. In 2018, fewer than 5 out of 10,000 postpartum women were prescribed a GLP-1 medication. By 2024, this number rose to 173 out of 10,000, which is close to 2% of new mothers (PubMed). A summary from the university leading the research said the increase was dramatic and noted that most women taking a GLP-1 postpartum did not have diabetes, suggesting weight loss was likely the main reason for using the medication (University of Southern Denmark).
This trend is not surprising. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are everywhere in the news. Many new parents feel pressure to get back to their pre pregnancy weight. Some want help with appetite control during a time when they are exhausted and short on time. Others have real metabolic concerns, such as a history of gestational diabetes.
The key question is whether the trend matches what science and medical groups consider safe during the postpartum period.
How GLP-1 medications work
Your body naturally makes a hormone called GLP-1. It helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and signals fullness after meals. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone. They help your pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high. They slow stomach emptying. They help you feel full sooner (Cleveland Clinic).
Over time, people tend to eat less and may lose weight, especially when medication is paired with healthy habits (Cleveland Clinic).
These medications are researched for diabetes and weight management. They have not been specifically developed for postpartum recovery, which is why experts are paying close attention to how they affect breastfeeding, nutrition, and future pregnancy planning.
What science shows about GLP-1 use while breastfeeding
This is one of the biggest questions postpartum individuals ask.
What researchers tested
In 2024, a study published in the journal Nutrients looked at 8 breastfeeding women who were taking weekly injectable semaglutide. Researchers collected breast milk samples at 0, 12, and 24 hours after dosing. They found no detectable semaglutide in any of the milk samples (PubMed).
From these measurements, they calculated that any potential infant exposure would be around 1.1% to 1.3% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose, far below the 10% level often considered low risk in medication and lactation research (PubMed).
How LactMed interprets it
The LactMed database, which reviews scientific research on medications in breastfeeding, notes that injectable semaglutide was not detectable in milk samples and did not show clear adverse effects in the infants reported (LactMed).
LactMed also warns that oral forms of semaglutide include an absorption enhancer that may behave differently. Because of this, LactMed advises that if semaglutide must be used during breastfeeding, the injectable version is preferred (LactMed).
Independent reviews
Independent lactation pharmacy reviews say the same thing: the medication appears unlikely to transfer into milk, but rapid maternal weight loss from appetite suppression could affect milk supply (Medbase).
The limits
Even with these findings, major limits remain:
- Only eight people were studied.
- Infants were mostly older babies, not newborns.
- No long-term infant outcomes were measured.
- No similar research exists yet for tirzepatide or other GLP-1 drugs.
- Postpartum and lactation physiology vary widely between individuals.
LactMed also notes that all data about drugs in milk should be interpreted cautiously and updated regularly as new studies emerge (LactMed).
In simple terms: early evidence is encouraging, but not complete enough to call GLP-1 medications fully known or risk free during breastfeeding. To be safe, always follow the advice of your provider.
Appetite, nutrition, and milk supply matter too
Even if a medication stays out of breast milk, its effects on the parent can still matter for the baby.
GLP-1 medications reduce hunger. That is the point of the drug. But during breastfeeding, your body needs extra calories, hydration, and nutrients. Rapid weight loss or very low food intake can affect milk supply, energy levels, and healing.
Experts note that appetite suppression may pose a risk even when the drug itself does not reach breast milk (Medbase).
Northside Hospital summarizes this clearly: GLP-1 drugs are not routinely recommended during breastfeeding because of limited data and concerns about nutrition, healing, and infant growth (Northside Hospital).
What if you are postpartum but not breastfeeding
For people who are not breastfeeding, the safety picture shifts. Even then, clinicians say GLP-1 medications should be approached thoughtfully because postpartum bodies are still healing.
Northside Hospital notes that GLP-1 medications are usually not recommended during pregnancy and should be used cautiously if future pregnancy is planned (Northside Hospital).
Side effects like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and decreased appetite can add stress during early parenthood. They can make it harder to stay hydrated, eat enough, and maintain energy (Cleveland Clinic).
In many cases, providers prefer to start with nutrition, movement, sleep support, and mental health care before adding medication.
GLP-1 medications and future pregnancy
This is another area where strong caution is needed.
GLP-1 medications are not approved for use during pregnancy. This is because animal studies show potential fetal risks, and human research is still limited (Cleveland Clinic).
A recent study from Mass General Brigham found that people who used GLP-1 medications before pregnancy and then stopped them before or early in pregnancy had higher rates of:
- Excess gestational weight gain
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertensive disorders
- Preterm delivery
When compared with similar people who had not used GLP-1 medications (Mass General Brigham).
These findings were also reported in major news outlets, which emphasized the same message: more research is needed, and current guidance is to avoid GLP-1 medications during pregnancy (Reuters).
Most experts recommend stopping GLP-1 medications at least several weeks before trying to conceive. For someone who wants another baby soon, this timing can affect whether GLP-1 treatment makes sense postpartum.
What a thoughtful postpartum GLP-1 plan can look like
A safer, more realistic approach might include:
- Talking with a clinician who understands postpartum physiology and GLP-1 medications
- Sharing breastfeeding status and future pregnancy plans
- Focusing first on nutrition, hydration, iron levels, gentle movement, and mental health
- Revisiting medication options later if weight or metabolic issues remain a concern
GLP-1 medications can be helpful for the right person at the right time, but postpartum recovery is personal. It is never a race.
FAQ: GLP-1s and postpartum
Are GLP-1 medications safe to use while breastfeeding?
Early research found no detectable semaglutide in breast milk and low estimated infant exposure, but the studies are small and short term. Experts advise caution until more is known (PubMed) (LactMed) (Northside Hospital).
Can I use a GLP-1 like Wegovy or Mounjaro if I am postpartum but not breastfeeding?
Possibly, in certain cases. Providers consider overall recovery, nutrition, mental health, and future pregnancy plans before prescribing (Northside Hospital).
Why are postpartum GLP-1 prescriptions increasing so quickly?
Major research shows a large increase between 2018 and 2024. Most postpartum users did not have diabetes, suggesting weight loss as the main reason (PubMed) (University of Southern Denmark).
How do GLP-1 medications affect future pregnancy?
GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy. People who used and then stopped GLP-1s had higher rates of pregnancy complications in one recent study, which is why experts recommend planning carefully (Mass General Brigham).
What are alternatives to starting a GLP-1 right after birth?
Balanced meals with enough protein, hydration, gentle movement, rest, and mental health care are first steps. If weight or metabolic issues remain a problem later, medication can be revisited (Cleveland Clinic).
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