Work

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Exposure During Pregnancy: Maternal Characteristics and Birth Outcomes from the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective/Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are increasingly prescribed among women of reproductive age, yet pregnancy safety data remain limited. We used the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study to characterize GLP-1 RA exposure timing, maternal clinical profiles, and birth outcomes. Case Report Among 3,539 pregnancies enrolled in HBCD (2023–2024), we identified 8 GLP-1 RA exposures (0.23%): 6 semaglutide and 2 tirzepatide. All participants with available anthropometric data (n=7) had pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (mean BMI 36.2 kg/m 2 , SD 10.8), including 43% with Class III obesity. Chronic conditions included hypertension (37.5%), migraines (50%), and type 2 diabetes (12.5%). Most participants (87.5%) discontinued medication before 6 weeks gestation; one continued to 19.4 weeks. Among 6 pregnancies with complete outcome data, all resulted in term deliveries (mean 38.7 weeks, SD 1.0) with normal birth weights (mean 3,251 g, SD 370); no preterm birth, low birth weight, or macrosomia occurred. One infant had a brief, uncomplicated NICU stay. Discussion These findings, reflecting predominantly early first-trimester exposure, are preliminarily reassuring but limited by small sample size, absence of a matched comparison group, missing outcome data (25%), and potential recall and selection bias. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were not yet available. Conclusion This case series documents novel exposures, including tirzepatide, in a high-risk obese population and demonstrates favorable short-term birth outcomes. HBCD offers a scalable, IRB-exempt infrastructure for ongoing pharmacovigilance and future longitudinal neurodevelopmental surveillance as GLP-1 RA use expands among reproductive-age women.

Source: AACE Endocrinology and Diabetes

DOI: 10.1016/j.aed.2026.08.019

Authors: Galya Bigman, Sui Seng Tee

Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy and Medication Impact

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, National Institutes of Health