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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.

Last updated: Aug 3, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Incretin-Based Medications in Women and Reproduction: A Systematic Scoping Review and Consensus Guidelines for Clinical Practice.

observational

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 · Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Incretin-based medications (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors) used during preconception or pregnancy
Outcome: Congenital anomalies in offspring
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Pregnant women and their offspring exposed to incretin-based medications

Result:

PubMed: 42528099DOI: 10.1111/obr.70203

Mechanism Graph

Incretin-based medications may cross the placenta
↓
Potential effects on fetal development are unknown
↓
No teratogenic signal observed in human studies
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Result: No increase in congenital anomalies reported

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.