Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study Finds

Ozempic and <span>Wegovy</span>, whose active ingredient is <span>semaglutide</span>, have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications have also been linked to improved fertility in some cases. However, GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy.

Now, a study in pregnant sheep has found that semaglutide significantly reduced blood flow to the uterus and <span>oxygen</span> levels in developing fetuses.

Led by researchers at Adelaide University, the animal study raises questions about the potential effects of these medications on fetal development.

While the findings are preliminary and have not been established in humans, they highlight the need to understand the risks of exposure during pregnancy, particularly among women who may conceive unexpectedly or continue treatment before realising they are pregnant.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Semaglutide Reduced Blood Flow</span> Within Two Hours</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-drugs-and-fertility-can-they-help-women-with-pmos-article-156343200" data-type="tilCustomLink">Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her Conceive</a>

Adelaide University researcher Dr Mitchell Lock noted that although weight-loss medications have become incredibly popular, there's still a lot we don't know about how they might affect a developing baby.

With the new study, they aimed to better understand the potential effects of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy so women and health care professionals can make informed and safe decisions about their use.

In the study, the researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess maternal <span>heart</span> function and uterine blood flow before and after administering semaglutide to pregnant sheep. They also collected fetal blood samples and monitored blood pressure and heart rate to evaluate the drug's immediate effects.

The findings, published as a conference abstract in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation, showed that semaglutide affected the mother's cardiovascular system and the supply of blood and oxygen to the developing fetus.

"Within two hours of administering semaglutide, we found that the amount of blood pumped by the mother's heart had significantly decreased, reducing blood flow to the uterus and lowering oxygen levels in the developing fetus," Lock said.

"Oxygen is essential for healthy fetal growth and development, so any reduction in its supply raises questions about what might happen if exposure to the drug continues throughout pregnancy."

<h2>Long-Term Effects On Fetal Development Remain Unclear</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/glp-1-drugs-ozempic-zepbound-use-rises-24-fold-among-american-women-after-childbirth-article-156260422" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth</a> 

Senior researcher Janna Morrison said the findings highlight the need for further research into the potential effects of prolonged semaglutide exposure during pregnancy.

"Our findings suggest a potential risk to fetal development, but we haven't yet established whether these short-term changes affect fetal growth, what happens over a longer period of semaglutide use or whether similar effects could occur in human pregnancies," Morrison said.

<h2>Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy?</h2>

<strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-may-improve-fertility-in-men-with-obesity-study-suggests-article-154631551" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs May Improve Fertility In Men With Obesity, Study Suggests</a>

GLP-1 medications are not recommended for weight loss during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professionals about discontinuing treatment.

For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends stopping the medication at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Women who become pregnant while taking the medication should seek medical advice. Those who are breastfeeding should also discuss its use with their healthcare professional.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss its risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professionals, particularly if they are planning to conceive.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

semaglutide-may-lower-fetal-oxygen-levels-during-pregnancy-sheep-study-finds

Fetal Oxygen

oxygen

semaglutide reduced blood flow

Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels

Semaglutide in Pregnancy

GLP 1 Drugs in Pregnancy

GLP 1 Drugs

semaglutide

heart

wegovy

eye-rubbing-may-increase-keratoconus-risk-how-this-everyday-habit-can-damage-your-cornea

Eye Rubbing May Increase Keratoconus Risk: How This Everyday Habit Can Damage Your Cornea

us-flu-cases-rising-what-to-know-about-the-new-g155e-h1n1-mutation

US Flu Cases Rising: What To Know About The New G155E H1N1 Mutation

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Ozempic and Wegovy, whose active ingredient is semaglutide, have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications have also been linked to improved fertility in some cases. However, GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy.Now, a study in pregnant sheep has found that semaglutide significantly reduced blood flow to the uterus and oxygen levels in developing fetuses.Led by researchers at Adelaide University, the animal study raises questions about the potential effects of these medications on fetal development.While the findings are preliminary and have not been established in humans, they highlight the need to understand the risks of exposure during pregnancy, particularly among women who may conceive unexpectedly or continue treatment before realising they are pregnant.Semaglutide Reduced Blood Flow Within Two HoursAlso read: Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her ConceiveAdelaide University researcher Dr Mitchell Lock noted that although weight-loss medications have become incredibly popular, there's still a lot we don't know about how they might affect a developing baby.With the new study, they aimed to better understand the potential effects of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy so women and health care professionals can make informed and safe decisions about their use.In the study, the researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess maternal heart function and uterine blood flow before and after administering semaglutide to pregnant sheep. They also collected fetal blood samples and monitored blood pressure and heart rate to evaluate the drug's immediate effects.The findings, published as a conference abstract in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation, showed that semaglutide affected the mother's cardiovascular system and the supply of blood and oxygen to the developing fetus."Within two hours of administering semaglutide, we found that the amount of blood pumped by the mother's heart had significantly decreased, reducing blood flow to the uterus and lowering oxygen levels in the developing fetus," Lock said."Oxygen is essential for healthy fetal growth and development, so any reduction in its supply raises questions about what might happen if exposure to the drug continues throughout pregnancy."Long-Term Effects On Fetal Development Remain UnclearRead More: GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth Senior researcher Janna Morrison said the findings highlight the need for further research into the potential effects of prolonged semaglutide exposure during pregnancy."Our findings suggest a potential risk to fetal development, but we haven't yet established whether these short-term changes affect fetal growth, what happens over a longer period of semaglutide use or whether similar effects could occur in human pregnancies," Morrison said.Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy?READ: GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs May Improve Fertility In Men With Obesity, Study SuggestsGLP-1 medications are not recommended for weight loss during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professionals about discontinuing treatment.For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends stopping the medication at least two months before a planned pregnancy.Women who become pregnant while taking the medication should seek medical advice. Those who are breastfeeding should also discuss its use with their healthcare professional.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss its risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professionals, particularly if they are planning to conceive.

semaglutide may lower fetal oxygen levels during pregnancy, sheep study finds

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study Finds

US Flu Cases Rising: What To Know About The New G155E H1N1 Mutation

After California, Alaska Reports 3 Clade I Mpox Cases In People With No Travel History

Stopping Ozempic or Wegovy May Double Your Risk Of Heart Attack, Death

Health Conditions A-Z

Semaglutide May Lower Fetal Oxygen Levels During Pregnancy, Sheep Study Finds

Eye Rubbing May Increase Keratoconus Risk: How This Everyday Habit Can Damage Your Cornea

US Flu Cases Rising: What To Know About The New G155E H1N1 Mutation