## Mum’s Warning After Conceiving While Using Weight-Loss Jabs and the Pill
A mother from Hertfordshire has issued a caution to other women after unexpectedly becoming pregnant, despite using both a contraceptive pill and a weight-loss injection, commonly referred to as ‘skinny jabs’. Natasha Major, 26, had previously found it difficult to conceive due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and was taken aback when she found herself expecting her third child just six weeks after beginning the Mounjaro weight loss programme.
Natasha’s aim in starting the Mounjaro injections, which she ordered online in April, was to improve her physical health and confidence before planning for another baby in the future. With two children already and a history of irregular periods caused by PCOS, Natasha was not anticipating a pregnancy so soon. “The idea was to lose weight first and become healthier before trying for a third child in a few years, not immediately,” she explained. “I have struggled with my weight for years and thought it best to be in a good place physically before another pregnancy.”
Her surprise came after just two weeks of using the injections, whilst she was continuing to take her oral contraceptive pill each morning like clockwork. Natasha insisted she did not miss a dose or take her pill at a different time, having been careful to follow a strict routine. Despite this, she ended up conceiving — a shock given her difficulties previously.
Medical advice has since highlighted a crucial point: some studies suggest Mounjaro (tirzepatide) could diminish the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially in those who are overweight. According to guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), non-oral contraceptive methods are often recommended for those using this medication. However, Natasha claims this information was not clearly provided at the time of purchase. “I hadn’t read or heard anywhere that these injections could interfere with the pill,” she lamented. “If you’re not planning a pregnancy, it’s vital to know about these risks.”
Natasha’s reaction to the discovery ranged from disbelief to anxiety. After an unusually dark ovulation test result, she took a pregnancy test on 6 May, which was positive. She then stopped using Mounjaro immediately. “It was such a shock, particularly since it took two years of tracking ovulation daily to get pregnant the last time,” she revealed. The unexpectedness of the pregnancy, combined with fears about whether the weight-loss medication could harm her unborn child, led to a stressful period. “Even my GP could offer little information, and NHS 111 said there’s not a lot of data on taking these injections while pregnant. They just advised me to stop the medication straight away.”
Now at nine weeks pregnant, Natasha has had an early scan owing to her PCOS and says doctors are so far satisfied with the health of her baby. “I feel much more reassured now, though that early anxiety hasn’t fully gone away,” she admitted. “I keep thinking how lucky I was to have caught the pregnancy so early – if not, I’d probably have continued with the jabs and possibly put the baby at risk.”
Natasha is determined that women are made more aware of potential interactions between weight-loss injections and contraceptive pills. “A lot of us don’t have all the information we need. It’s essential to be aware so that you’re not left making difficult choices or worrying through your pregnancy because of something you didn’t know,” she said. Her experience highlights a gap in public knowledge and the importance of clear healthcare guidance when it comes to new types of medication.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, has stressed that patient safety is its top priority. The company points out that the patient information leaflet for the drug states tirzepatide may interfere with the absorption rates of other oral medicines, especially at the start of treatment or when dosages are changed. The leaflet specifically warns against its use during pregnancy and advises considering non-oral forms of contraception or additional barrier methods for at least a month at treatment initiation or dose adjustment. “If you are overweight and using oral contraception whilst on Mounjaro, a barrier or non-oral method is recommended,” an Eli Lilly spokesperson added.
As access to weight-loss injections becomes more widespread in the UK, Natasha’s story serves as an important reminder for those considering such treatments, particularly women of childbearing age. Both patients and healthcare professionals must ensure risks are understood and appropriate contraceptive measures are used to avoid unwelcome surprises.
As research on new medicines continues, clearer communication and updated guidance will be vital to keep those seeking to improve their health and wellbeing well-informed and protected.