ORCID

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy concurrent with incretin-based medications is contraindicated due to unknown risk of teratogenicity, as is breastfeeding. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to investigate potential risks and benefits of incretin-based medications in relation to preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal health, and to propose expert guidelines for clinical practice.Methods: An international expert multidisciplinary group was formed. Research questions relevant to women's reproductive health and incretin-based medications were refined collaboratively, utilizing a lifecourse approach. A systematic search was undertaken on July 23, 2025, across several databases and grey literature sources. Primary data from human studies were prioritized above animal studies. Titles, abstracts, and full text articles were screened independently by two authors. Data were extracted by two people independently using a pre-defined proforma and synthesized narratively. Consensus recommendations were made.Results: Thirty-four articles were included in the evidence synthesis: 11 randomized trials, nine observational studies, two pharmacovigilance reviews, nine case reports/series, two animal studies, and one ex vivo study. No qualitative studies were identified. Evidence was found for 18/32 (56.3%) research questions. Most studies related to preconception or pregnancy usage; two addressed contraception, and one was about lactation. The sample size of exposed pregnancies ranged from 1 to 4267. Three studies reported exposure throughout pregnancy. Three studies investigated postpartum usage. One (animal) study had offspring data beyond birth. No studies reported an increase in congenital anomalies.Conclusion: Clinical practice and research recommendations were made based on current available evidence and evidence gaps, encompassing contraception, preconception, nutritional, pregnancy monitoring, lactation, and longer-term outcomes.

Publication Date

2026-07-29

Publication Title

Obesity Reviews

ISSN

1467-7881

Acceptance Date

2026-07-09

Deposit Date

2026-07-31

Funding

The research activities of Michael Ceulemans are supported by a Senior Postdoctoral Mandate of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, 1246425N).

Keywords

GLP‐1, fetal, incretin, maternal, obesity, postpartum, preconception, pregnancy

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Download

Share

COinS