Several studies have shown that semaglutide, a drug used to treat diabetes and weight loss, can cause birth defects in fetuses. In these animal studies, rats, rabbits, and monkeys who were treated with the drug had higher rates of miscarriage.
Although there is no data on how ozempic affects women trying to get pregnant, health experts say it’s best to avoid the drug if possible. They recommend that women come off ozempic two months before they try to conceive.
Thyroid tumors
Thyroid tumors are a type of cancer that develops from cells in the thyroid gland (endocrine gland). They occur in three main types: papillary, follicular and medullary.
About 5% of thyroid cancers run in families. Some inherited genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Cowden syndrome, increase this risk.
Most thyroid tumors don’t cause symptoms in children and usually go away on their own. However, they can be a sign of a more serious problem.
If a lump in the neck is noticed, it should be evaluated by a physician with experience in this area. Some lumps may look like thyroid nodules, but they can also be thyroglossal duct cysts or other neck masses.
The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam and order tests. Blood and biopsy tests can help diagnose thyroid cancer and determine if the nodule is malignant or benign. Other tests, such as a CT or MRI scan, will tell the doctor if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Intrauterine growth restriction
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which your baby is small for his or her gestational age. This is usually caused by an underlying medical problem that prevents the baby from growing normally.
Your doctor can diagnose intrauterine growth restriction by checking your ultrasound results. A fetus that has IUGR has a low estimated fetal weight (EBW) that is below the 10th percentile for his or her gestational age.
A fetus with IUGR can have several causes. These can include an underlying medical issue or a condition that affects the placenta or umbilical cord.
In rare cases, a fetus can be diagnosed with IUGR due to an infection. These conditions can cause a small amount of amniotic fluid to build up around the fetus, which can affect the way it grows.
Typically, a fetus with IUGR is born small but healthy. If the fetus’s growth isn’t monitored, it can become stressed during labor or a C-section delivery.
Low birth weight
A baby who weighs less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces (1.5 kilograms) at birth is called very low birth weight (VLBW). The outcome for a baby with VLBW depends mainly on how much she weighs and how many weeks of gestation she was born.
Some causes of very low birth weight include chromosomal abnormalities and problems with the heart. Problems with the placenta can also lead to IUGR and low birth weight.
These factors can be prevented by following a healthy diet during pregnancy and gaining enough weight. It’s also important to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who are young, or have had a previous teen pregnancy, have a higher risk of having a low birth weight baby. Age, race, and poor maternal nutrition are also related to low birth weight.
Heart defects
A heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart. It can make blood flow too slowly, go the wrong way, or block the heart completely.
Some congenital heart defects are caused by changes in a baby’s genes. These changes can happen before pregnancy or during pregnancy.
Another reason a heart defect can happen is when the blood vessels near the heart don’t develop normally. These blood vessels may be too narrow, or they can connect incorrectly and send deoxygenated or oxygenated blood the wrong way.
One of the most common types of heart defects is a ventricular septal defect (also called VSD). A baby with this condition has a hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. Some small VSDs close on their own, while others need surgery.