| Written by Dr. Yu Hyemi, Co-Director & Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Bio Plastic Surgery
"I heard someone got pregnant while on Wegovy." "She'd been trying for years — and once she lost the weight, it finally happened."
If you clicked on this journal, you're probably one of them.
One — someone who has been struggling to conceive. You may be holding onto the hope that losing weight could finally make a difference.
The other — someone currently on Wegovy who is now worried about an unplanned pregnancy.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for obesity treatment. Yet recently, women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and ovulatory disorders have been sharing stories of unexpected pregnancies while on Wegovy — giving rise to what's now being called the "Ozempic Baby" phenomenon.
This journal answers three questions:
- Does Wegovy actually affect fertility and ovulation?
- When should you use — or stop — Wegovy depending on your pregnancy plans?
- What should you know if you are preparing for IVF?
The connection between obesity, hormones, and pregnancy is a topic that comes up in clinical practice every day.
Here is a clear, step-by-step guide for everyone asking these questions.
Does Wegovy Improve Fertility? — Only Half the Story Is True
One thing to be clear about upfront: Wegovy is not a fertility drug or a pregnancy aid.
So why has the term "Ozempic babies" emerged, and why are so many people questioning the link between Wegovy and pregnancy?
The answer lies in obesity itself.
Resolving Obesity Can Restore Ovulation
Obesity, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are among the most common causes of disrupted ovulation.
In particular, obesity affects fertility in the following ways:
- It disrupts hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods and disrupted ovulation
- Chronic inflammation can make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus
This is why, when Wegovy leads to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, ovulation that was previously suppressed may return.
Research supports this:
- In women with PCOS, GLP-1 medications have been shown to improve menstrual regularity and ovulation (small-scale studies and meta-analyses)
- Improved insulin sensitivity reduces excess ovarian androgens; as adipose inflammation decreases, the hormonal axis that regulates ovulation tends to normalize
Think of it this way: Wegovy didn't create a pregnancy — it helped clear the path that obesity had blocked.
That is why unexpected pregnancies — the so-called "Ozempic babies" — are happening.
Using Wegovy: The Green Light Is in the Preparation Phase
Because fertility can return without warning, it is important to plan your Wegovy use around your personal circumstances.
It is also worth noting that Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy.
| If you are not planning to conceive | If you are planning to conceive | If you are preparing for IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Start birth control from the moment you begin Wegovy | Stop Wegovy approximately 8 weeks before trying to conceive | Consider Wegovy during the preparation phase only; discontinue before and during the procedure |
If You Are Not Planning to Conceive
A few things worth knowing when choosing a birth control method:
- Studies suggest that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) does not significantly reduce how well oral contraceptives work.
- However, some other GLP-1 medications (e.g., tirzepatide) may lower the effectiveness of the pill — so guidelines recommend using a backup method like condoms when first starting the medication.
If You Are Planning to Conceive
Wegovy has not been identified as a direct cause of birth defects in animal studies. However, because safety data in pregnant women is still limited, it is not recommended during pregnancy — out of caution.
Additionally, because semaglutide stays in your system for a long time, a sufficient washout period — time to allow the drug to fully clear your body — is needed before trying to conceive.
According to 2025 FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, UK) guidance, semaglutide should be stopped approximately 8 weeks (2 months) before trying to conceive.
If You Are Preparing for IVF
Many women pursuing IVF do so because of obesity or PCOS. Researchers are increasingly looking at whether Wegovy could play a role in helping women reach a healthier weight before treatment.
Obesity drives chronic inflammation that can make it harder for an embryo to implant — and there is growing evidence that losing weight before treatment may improve outcomes. One study in overweight and obese women preparing for IVF found that losing weight beforehand helped improve blood sugar levels and how well the body responds to insulin.
That said, there are still open questions. Research into how semaglutide directly affects the ovaries is limited. This is why ongoing IVF studies are designed to include a washout period before egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
The recommended sequence when preparing for IVF is as follows:
- Weight loss phase (with Wegovy)
- Stop Wegovy
- Washout period (8 weeks)
- Proceed with IVF
- Prepare for pregnancy
If You Find Out You Are Pregnant While on Wegovy
If you find out you are pregnant while taking Wegovy, stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
For reference: a small-scale study examining early pregnancy exposure to Wegovy did not observe an increased risk of major birth defects — however, the researchers note that until confirmed by larger studies, women of reproductive age should use effective birth control.
To summarize in one line: Wegovy does not create pregnancies — but it may help open a path that obesity has closed.
And everything along that path comes down to timing.
- Not planning to conceive → Start birth control from day one
- Hoping to conceive → Stop 8 weeks before trying; not recommended during pregnancy
- Preparing for IVF → Wegovy during preparation only; stop before the procedure
If you have been struggling to conceive due to obesity or PCOS, the more important question is not whether to take the medication — it is how to build the right sequence around your body and your plan.
Whether Wegovy is right for you — and when to stop — will depend on your personal health history, current condition, and pregnancy goals. If you're not sure where to start, that conversation with the right doctor is the first step — and it's worth taking.
• Book your visit through TPS — Bio Plastic Surgery, Gangnam
[FAQ]
Q1. I've been on Wegovy and my period has returned after a long absence. Does this mean my chances of getting pregnant have increased?
It may. If your ovulation was suppressed due to PCOS or obesity, losing weight can restore your cycle — which means your fertile window may open again without warning. If you're not planning to conceive, now is the time to start birth control. If you are, speak with a specialist about next steps.
Q2. I know I need to stop Wegovy before trying to conceive — but won't stopping cause the weight to come back, reducing my chances again?
This is a concern many women share, and it is a valid one— which is exactly why simply stopping the medication is not enough on its own. The key is building a diet and lifestyle plan to maintain your weight after discontinuation, ideally mapped out alongside your conception timeline with a specialist.
Q3. Can I try to conceive as soon as the 8-week washout period is over?
Eight weeks is the minimum recommended washout period for semaglutide to clear your system sufficiently. However, depending on your BMI and how long you've been on the medication, your doctor may recommend waiting longer.
Q4. I don't have PCOS. Can Wegovy still support my fertility?
Possibly. Obesity alone — even without PCOS — can disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation. Weight loss through Wegovy may still help restore a more favorable environment for conception.
Q5. I'm currently on oral contraceptives. Will Wegovy affect how well they work?
Current evidence suggests Wegovy does not significantly affect how well the pill works. That said, other GLP-1 medications (e.g., tirzepatide) may lower contraceptive hormone levels, so recommendations vary by medication. It's worth confirming your specific combination with your doctor.
| Written by Dr. Yu Hyemi, Co-Director & Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Bio Plastic Surgery
| Edited by Sia Shin, The Pylon Square
