Stopping Wegovy to Conceive: Timelines and Considerations
For many women, Wegovy (semaglutide) has been the first weight-loss treatment that truly worked - helping them achieve a healthier BMI, balance blood sugar, and even regain menstrual regularity after years of hormonal imbalance. But for those now ready to conceive, a difficult question arises: when - and how - should you stop?
The answer is more nuanced than a single date on the calendar. It involves biology, timing, and a good deal of patience. While Wegovy can dramatically improve fertility by reducing insulin resistance and inflammation, it must be discontinued before conception because of safety concerns during pregnancy.
That gap - between stopping the medication and trying to conceive - is often filled with mixed emotions: excitement, fear, and uncertainty.
"My fertility consultant suggested Wegovy to help me lose weight before IVF, but now I’m scared to stop in case I gain it all back before transfer." -u/HopefulIVFJourney
"I hit my goal weight and want to start trying, but I don’t know how long the drug stays in your system. Everyone seems to say something different." -u/WeightLoss2Baby
For many, Wegovy was a lifeline. Letting go of it can feel like losing control again - yet it’s also the crucial first step toward a healthy pregnancy.
Why Wegovy Must Be Stopped Before Pregnancy
Wegovy works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that slows digestion, regulates appetite, and improves insulin response. But semaglutide also remains in the body for several weeks after the final injection.
Animal studies show that the drug can cross the placenta and affect developing embryos - though human data are limited. Because of this uncertainty, manufacturers and fertility specialists strongly advise stopping Wegovy before conception.
"My endocrinologist was clear: you need to stop before trying - there’s just not enough data to know if it’s safe for a developing baby." -u/ScienceMom
Clinics are cautious not because of proven harm, but because the risks are unknown. Many fertility specialists also point out that Wegovy slows gastric emptying, which can complicate anaesthesia during procedures such as egg retrieval.
"It’s frustrating because it helped me so much with my PCOS and insulin resistance, but my fertility clinic said absolutely no GLP-1s during IVF or pregnancy." -u/PCOSandPatience
"I stayed on birth control the whole time I was on Wegovy. My doctor said the drug can’t be used if there’s any chance of conception." -u/FollowingThePlan
Ultimately, stopping isn’t optional - it’s a vital part of the pre-conception plan.
Recommended Washout Periods - What the Evidence and Doctors Say
Semaglutide has a long half-life of around one week, meaning it takes several weeks for the body to eliminate it completely. Official manufacturer guidance recommends stopping at least two months before trying to conceive.
In real life, clinicians often personalise that window based on dosage and fertility goals.
"My OB told me to stop at least 8 weeks before trying - semaglutide hangs around for ages, especially if you’ve been on the higher doses." -u/GlucoseReset
"My fertility nurse wanted me off for 3 months before egg collection, just to be safe with anaesthesia and hormones." -u/EmbryoDreaming
"I came off at 4mg and waited 10 weeks before trying. Got pregnant naturally the next cycle." -u/SerotoninSundays
The consensus: allow a minimum of eight weeks, and longer if you’ve been on Wegovy for an extended period or are preparing for IVF.
IVF and Fertility Treatment Scenarios
Many fertility clinics now recommend GLP-1 therapy as part of a "metabolic reset" before IVF. Achieving a lower BMI can improve egg quality, reduce miscarriage risk, and make hormone dosing more effective.
"My clinic wouldn’t even book the retrieval until my BMI was under 30. Wegovy helped me get there, then I stopped a month before stims." -u/IVFStrong
Others describe carefully timed transitions - losing weight with Wegovy, stopping several weeks before egg retrieval, and proceeding to embryo transfer only once the medication had cleared.
"I used it for 6 months, lost 3 stone, stopped for 2 months and had my transfer. Now 16 weeks pregnant and everything looks great." -u/RainbowInProgress
Anaesthetic risk is another consideration. Because GLP-1s slow digestion, patients under sedation may have an increased risk of regurgitation or aspiration.
"Anaesthesia risk was a big one - my surgeon said GLP-1s slow stomach emptying, which can be dangerous during egg collection." -u/ConsciousCycle
For most clinics, the safe compromise is clear: pause treatment at least 4–8 weeks before any sedation or embryo transfer.
Managing Weight and Appetite After Stopping
For many, the hardest part of coming off Wegovy isn’t the timing - it’s what happens next. Appetite gradually returns, and with it, the fear of regaining lost weight.
"Three weeks after stopping, I could feel the appetite coming back - it’s manageable but I have to stay mindful." -u/StillFocused
The transition phase calls for conscious maintenance: balanced meals, consistent movement, and higher protein intake.
"Protein is key. I eat Greek yoghurt, eggs, and beans with every meal now - it stops the grazing urges that came back." -u/ProteinPlanner
Some weight fluctuation is inevitable, but many find their metabolism has genuinely improved - meaning their body handles calories more efficiently than before.
"I put back a few pounds but my body composition is better. I’m focusing on maintaining, not panicking." -u/GentleJourney
The key is to treat this phase not as a loss of progress, but as preparation for a different goal: nourishing the body for conception.
Real-World Timelines: What Women Report
Across communities like Reddit and Mumsnet, women share remarkably consistent timelines:
- Month 0: Last Wegovy injection
- Month 1–2: Appetite slowly returns; hormone cycles stabilise
- Month 3: Begin trying to conceive or IVF transfer
- Month 4–5: Early pregnancy or embryo implantation
-u/QuickTurnaround
Others report needing more time to feel hormonally balanced again.
"I waited the full 2 months, but my doctor said some people go up to 3 if they were on high doses." -u/MeasuredSteps
Some also find that their menstrual cycles take longer to normalise.
"Took me 4 months to get my cycle back to normal after stopping, then conceived naturally. Totally worth the wait." -u/CycleReset42
The variations are normal - depending on dose, duration, and how each body metabolises the medication.
The Emotional Side: Balancing Hope, Fear, and Patience
Beyond the pharmacology lies a deeply emotional journey. Many women describe stopping Wegovy as both liberating and frightening.
"It’s scary letting go of what finally worked for my body, but I remind myself this next step is for a bigger purpose." -u/HeartInTwoPlaces
The fear of weight regain can overshadow the excitement of planning for pregnancy. Yet for many, the body begins to respond differently once hormones stabilise and ovulation resumes.
"I felt anxious every week I wasn’t losing weight anymore - then I saw my first normal ovulation in years and realised it was progress of a different kind." -u/OvulatingFinally
Therapists and fertility coaches often encourage women to reframe this phase not as losing control, but as entering a new chapter of trust in their bodies.
"It’s hard not to obsess over weight gain during TTC, but my therapist keeps reminding me that my body’s goal now is to grow, not shrink." -u/MindfulMama
That emotional shift - from restriction to nurturing - is often what allows the next stage of fertility to unfold naturally.
Pharmacist Commentary: Expert Insight from Alessandro Grenci
Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, explains why the two-month window is so important.
"Semaglutide remains in the body for several weeks due to its long half-life. Stopping at least two months before conception allows the drug to fully clear and ensures a safe environment for early pregnancy."
He also highlights the metabolic improvements that may enhance fertility even after stopping.
"Many women use Wegovy successfully before pregnancy to improve metabolic health, lower insulin resistance, and regulate cycles - but the medication itself should not be used during conception or pregnancy."
Alessandro advises anyone planning pregnancy to work with their clinician on a step-down plan and to shift focus toward nutrient density.
"Discuss a taper plan with your clinician to minimise rebound appetite, and start prenatal vitamins and folic acid early while stabilising your weight."
His key message: view the pause as part of the plan, not an interruption to it.
Planning with Purpose
Stopping Wegovy to conceive can feel like stepping into the unknown. Yet the experiences of women who’ve done it - and gone on to healthy pregnancies - show that it’s entirely possible with the right preparation and patience.
"I stopped Wegovy at the start of the summer and conceived by autumn. Slower than I’d hoped, but I’m glad I waited." -u/PatientAndProud
The months between your last injection and conception aren’t wasted time - they’re when your body recalibrates and prepares for pregnancy.
"I was terrified to gain back what I’d lost, but I held steady - and now I’m 12 weeks pregnant." -u/SmallStepsBigDreams
The balance between metabolic health and maternal readiness is delicate, but achievable. With careful planning, professional guidance, and trust in the process, many women are finding their path to motherhood through the same medication that once helped them reclaim their health.
"Wegovy helped me get here, but stopping it was part of trusting my body again." -u/TrustingTheProcess
Key Takeaways:
- Stop Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive (and longer if on high doses or preparing for IVF).
- Expect appetite and cycle changes within 3–5 weeks of stopping.
- Maintain progress with protein, hydration, and stable nutrition.
- Use this phase to begin prenatal care and rebuild confidence in your body’s natural rhythm.
Because sometimes, the most powerful part of the journey isn’t the medication itself - it’s learning to trust that your body knows what to do next.
