Nowadays, medications for treating obesity are revolutionizing the way we approach this chronic disease. Beyond aiding in weight loss, they offer additional health benefits, such as improvements in high blood pressure and diabetes. However, what happens when these treatments coincide with the desire to conceive? Is it safe to become pregnant while taking them? And if you decide to plan a pregnancy, how long should you wait?
If these questions resonate with you, you're not alone. We’ll address them with a focus on holistic
How do weight loss medications affect pregnancy and fertility?
Incretin-based medications, such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, work by regulating hunger and satiety through gut hormones. These drugs, always prescribed by specialists, have proven to be a powerful tool for treating obesity, helping to reduce between 10% and 20% of body weight.
But how do they influence fertility and pregnancy? Obesity is closely linked to fertility issues in both men and women. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which makes conception more difficult, improves significantly when a healthy weight is achieved. On the other hand, in men, these treatments reduce hormonal imbalances that directly impact fertility.
Is It safe to get pregnant while taking these medications?
One of the most common concerns is what to do if pregnancy occurs during treatment. According to specialists, no severe complications or harm to the baby have been reported, so it would not be a reason to terminate the pregnancy.
However, experts recommend planning the pregnancy in advance. After stopping the treatment, it is ideal to wait three to four weeks—enough time for the medication to leave the body.
The positive impact of weight loss before pregnancy.
Losing weight prior to pregnancy not only improves the chances of conceiving but also reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Obesity during pregnancy can make ultrasounds more challenging, increase the risk of gestational hypertension, diabetes, and complications during childbirth.
If you've achieved a healthy weight before conceiving, it’s important to maintain it in a balanced way.
While pregnancy isn’t the time to start a restrictive diet, it is the perfect moment to embrace balanced eating habits and an active lifestyle.
It’s worth noting that through epigenetics, a mother has the extraordinary ability to positively influence the genetic expression of her future child. Maternal nutrition becomes much more than just eating; what a mother eats, how she lives, and how she cares for her body not only nourishes her but literally shapes part of her child’s genetic code. This process modulates which genes will be expressed and how they will manifest throughout the child’s life.
Epigenetics is becoming increasingly crucial and significant for care and well-being at all stages of life. Thanks to epigenetic testing, it is now possible to gain a completely innovative perspective on our health, understanding exactly how our lifestyle and diet are influencing our cells in real time.
What About After Pregnancy?
After childbirth, the body undergoes profound metabolic changes. An eye-opening fact is that producing breast milk can require significant energy expenditure, around 700 calories per day. However, it is essential to emphasize that this process should not be seen as a weight-loss method, as every body responds differently. The priority should be on the quality of nutrition during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding not only nourishes the baby but also creates specific nutritional demands for the mother, requiring dietary adjustments to ensure adequate nutrition for both. It is crucial to understand that care does not end with pregnancy; it continues through breastfeeding—a key period where maternal nutrition directly impacts both the baby’s and the mother’s health.
For this reason, it’s essential to carefully plan the mother’s diet, prioritizing quality and nutritional balance rather than focusing solely on aspects like weight loss.
Always consult with healthcare professionals and design a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.
At Mater Clinic, we understand that pregnancy is a transformative journey that requires careful planning and special attention. It also represents an extraordinary opportunity to make changes that holistically enhance your well-being and that of your future family.
It is essential to remember that administering any pharmacological treatment related to nutritional processes requires specialized and rigorous medical supervision. These medications must only be recommended, prescribed, and monitored by a medical specialist in nutrition. They should never be managed by a nutritionist without medical training, as these drugs can cause significant side effects, and improper use could pose a risk to the patient’s health.
Every decision you make, every habit you adjust, represents a significant step toward a more conscious and fulfilling motherhood.
Investing in your health and that of your future child is undoubtedly the most important and valuable commitment you can make at this time. Mater Clinic is here to support you professionally throughout this process, providing the guidance and care you need to navigate this journey in the healthiest way possible.
Do you have questions or concerns? Our team is always ready to listen and assist you. We invite you to reach out to us with no obligation. You can contact us via WhatsApp at +34 645 096 548 or use whichever communication method is most convenient for you. At Mater Clinic, we’re delighted to meet you and support you on your journey to motherhood. It will be our pleasure to assist you!
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