Incretin-based medications do not increase congenital anomalies in exposed pregnancies
A systematic scoping review of 34 articles found no studies reporting an increase in congenital anomalies with incretin-based medication use during pregnancy. The evidence included 11 randomized trials and 9 observational studies, with exposed pregnancy sample sizes ranging from 1 to 4267.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Incretin-based medications do not increase congenital anomalies in exposed pregnancies The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Incretin-based medications do not increase congenital anomalies in exposed pregnancies
This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women and their offspring exposed to incretin-based medications.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Incretin-Based Medications in Women and Reproduction: A Systematic Scoping Review and Consensus Guidelines for Clinical Practice. (Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Incretin-based medications may cross the placenta
- ▸Potential effects on fetal development are unknown
- ▸No teratogenic signal observed in human studies
- ▸Result: No increase in congenital anomalies reported
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Pregnant women and their offspring exposed to incretin-based medications
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only 3 studies reported exposure throughout pregnancy, limiting assessment of first-trimester risk
- ▸No qualitative studies were identified, and only one animal study had offspring data beyond birth
Frequently Asked Questions
Are incretin-based medications safe during pregnancy?▼
Current evidence from this review shows no increase in congenital anomalies, but pregnancy concurrent with these medications is still contraindicated due to unknown risks.
How many studies were included in the review?▼
Thirty-four articles were included: 11 randomized trials, 9 observational studies, 2 pharmacovigilance reviews, 9 case reports/series, 2 animal studies, and 1 ex vivo study.
What is the sample size of exposed pregnancies?▼
The sample size ranged from 1 to 4267 across studies, with most studies focusing on preconception or pregnancy usage.
Does the review recommend using incretin-based medications during breastfeeding?▼
No, breastfeeding is contraindicated due to unknown risks, and only one study addressed lactation.
References
- 1.Maslin K, Shawe J, Blowers S, Ceulemans M, Hart K, Schoenmakers S, Rottenstreich A, Hopper H, Jensterle M, Flynn AC, Siegelaar S, Bogaerts A, Douek I, Heslehurst N, Ceulemans D, Tan T, Pinkney J, Whyte M, Taheri S, Devlieger R. “Incretin-Based Medications in Women and Reproduction: A Systematic Scoping Review and Consensus Guidelines for Clinical Practice..” Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 2026. PMID: 42528099 DOI: 10.1111/obr.70203