GLP-1 Medications and Surrogacy: A Full Guide for Surrogates

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication and you feel called to become a surrogate, it can be surprisingly stressful to figure out how those two things fit together.

A lot of women worry they’ll be turned away right away, or they get stuck trying to decode mixed advice online about timing, “washout” rules, and side effects. You’re not being dramatic. Surrogacy has a real medical timeline, and GLP-1s come with real considerations.

The good news is this: GLP-1 medication and surrogacy can absolutely be discussed and planned safely, as long as you’re upfront and guided by your care team. So, this guide clears up the confusion, walking you through how medication affects your application and the mandatory timelines for safety.

Quick Answer: GLP-1s and Surrogacy

Can you become a surrogate if you use GLP-1 medications?

Many potential surrogates are surprised to learn that past or current use is not an automatic “no.”

GLP-1 medications are common, and many people interested in surrogacy use them now or have used them recently. Programs ask about GLP-1s because surrogacy involves pregnancy planning, medical clearance, and careful monitoring.

Screening transparency matters here – you’ll need to disclose your use of GLP1 medication during the initial screening so your team can build a plan around your safety.

Using these medications doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but timing matters. Because there’s limited data on GLP-1 safety during pregnancy, many fertility clinics require you to stop taking GLP-1s for a “washout period” before embryo transfer. Your clinic and prescribing physician will confirm what’s appropriate for your situation.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

These medications have changed the landscape of metabolic health, but understanding how they work is key to understanding why fertility clinics are cautious.

GLP-1 medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight management. Common names include Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

Terminology You Should Know

• GLP1 Injection / GLP1 Shot. Many of these medications are taken as a weekly or daily injection under the skin.
• GLP1 Dosage. This refers to the strength of the medication. Many people start low and “titrate” up to a maintenance dose to reduce side effects.
• GLP1 Mechanism. These drugs mimic a hormone that helps regulate appetite and slows digestion, which is one reason fertility clinics pay close attention when planning procedures and pregnancy timing.

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Take a GLP-1 Medication?

As mentioned above, the short answer is yes, you can apply, but your medical clearance will look a little different.

In fact, some surrogates have used GLP-1s to support their health goals before applying. That said, GLP-1 medication and surrogacy comes with protocols designed to protect you and the baby.

What Surrogacy Programs Look At

When you apply to Physician’s Surrogacy, the medical team looks at your full health profile to confirm you’re a safe candidate for pregnancy.

• Overall health history. Are you taking the medication for diabetes or strictly for weight management? Diabetes management can involve additional considerations for clearance.
• Stability on medication. Are you on a steady routine, or are you dealing with side effects that could complicate screening?
• Ability to follow a plan. Surrogacy runs on a medication calendar. If you’re managing a detailed GLP1 dosage schedule, the team also wants to know you can follow fertility meds with the same consistency.

Why Surrogacy is Different From General Weight Loss

In everyday life, you might stay on a GLP-1 long-term. In surrogacy, the goal is pregnancy readiness.

Because you’re carrying for another family, fertility clinics tend to use a more cautious approach, especially around medications that may affect pregnancy safety or procedure planning.

GLP-1 and Pregnancy Planning for Surrogacy

This is the most important aspect for aspiring surrogates, as pregnancy planning drives every decision in your timeline.

The intersection of GLP1 pregnancy planning and safety is where most questions arise. Unlike a personal pregnancy where you might stop meds the day you get a positive test, surrogacy requires stopping weeks in advance.

The plan is made ahead of time, with your prescribing physician and fertility clinic aligned.

The “Washout Period”

Many fertility clinics require surrogates to discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonists before embryo transfer. This is non-negotiable for fetal safety.

In practice, this “washout period” is often about 2 months, but the exact timing depends on the medication and your clinic’s protocol.

• The research. A large cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2024) analyzed pregnancies exposed to GLP-1s. While the study did not find a dramatic increase in malformations compared to insulin use, the authors still urged caution due to uncertainty and limited data on newer drugs.
• The consensus. Because the drug stays in your system for weeks, stopping earlier helps reduce fetal exposure during early development.

GLP1 and Birth Control

While preparing for surrogacy, you are often on birth control pills to synchronize your cycle with the Intended Mother or egg donor.

• The interaction. Some reports suggest that the slowed digestion from GLP-1s might impact the absorption of oral birth control pills, potentially leading to breakthrough ovulation.
• The fix. Your team may want your exact medication plan, so cycle timing stays accurate. In some cases, they may suggest a non-oral birth control method during prep.

What Your Clinic May Want Documented

To move through medical clearance smoothly, make sure you have the answers to these questions ready:

• Medication name. Include the brand (Wegovy, Zepbound, etc.) and note if it’s compounded.
• Start date. When did you begin treatment?
• Last dose change. Are you stable right now or are you still titrating?
• Prescribing doctor. Who manages your prescription and follow-ups?

GLP-1 and Breastfeeding

Surrogacy doesn’t always end at delivery. Some surrogates choose to provide breast milk (“pumping”) for a period of time postpartum.

Can You Take GLP-1 While Breastfeeding?

This is a common question: GLP1 and breastfeeding. Right now, there’s limited data on GLP-1 transfer into breast milk and possible effects on an infant.

Still, postpartum planning is essential. If you plan to pump for the intended parents, your clinicians may recommend waiting to restart GLP-1s until pumping is complete.

• The research. A 2024 study in The BMJ examined infant outcomes related to GLP-1 exposure in early pregnancy. While this isn’t the same as lactation transfer, the overall lack of lactation-specific evidence is one reason many clinicians recommend postponing restart until breastfeeding/pumping ends.

Side Effects That Matter During Screening

Your physical comfort is a priority, and some GLP-1 side effects can mimic—or worsen—pregnancy symptoms.

Luckily, surrogacy screening is detailed, and that’s a good thing since it’s meant to protect your health during pregnancy.

Side effect management is certainly key. If you’re dealing with strong GLP1 side effects, your team may slow the timeline so you feel stable before clearance.

GI Issues: GLP1 Nausea, Constipation, and “Sulfur Burps”

• What to report. If you deal with ongoing GLP1 nausea or GLP1 sulfur burps (rotten egg taste), tell your coordinator.
• Why it matters. Early pregnancy can also bring nausea. Starting a pregnancy while already dealing with persistent symptoms can make hydration and nutrition harder to maintain. It can even lead to Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe vomiting), which puts the pregnancy at risk.
• GLP1 constipation. Progesterone used during surrogacy can slow digestion. Pairing that with GLP1 constipation can be miserable, so your team may want a clear symptom plan before you proceed.

Fatigue and Mental Health

Psychological screening is a mandatory part of surrogacy. Be open about your mental health so the team can support you.

• GLP1 fatigue / GLP1 headaches. Surrogacy involves appointments, injections, and blood draws. If GLP1 insomnia or fatigue is disrupting daily life, it’s worth addressing before starting the process.
• GLP1 and anxiety / GLP1 depression. There’s growing interest around GLP1 and anxiety and GLP1 depression. Some people feel better as their health improves, while others notice mood shifts.

Rare but Serious Issues

• GLP1 eye issues / pancreatitis. If you’ve had pancreatitis or you notice sudden vision changes, disclose it right away. Even though these issues are uncommon, your medical team needs the full picture before pregnancy.

Cost, Access, and “Doctor Near Me”

Cost questions come up a lot, especially if someone has had to switch pharmacies or pay out of pocket.

For screening, what matters most is stability and clear documentation, so your surrogacy clinic can plan safely.

GLP1 Cost and Insurance

• Who pays for GLP1? In many cases, the GLP1 price and coverage are the surrogate’s responsibility. Intended parents typically cover medical costs tied to the pregnancy, while weight management medications taken before pregnancy are usually treated as personal health maintenance.

• GLP1 no insurance? If you’re paying out of pocket, mention any access issues early. Missed doses and frequent switching can affect side effects and stability.

GLP1 Doctor Near Me

• Who manages it? Your IVF clinic typically won’t prescribe weight-loss medication. The best ‘GLP1 doctor near me’ is usually your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or obesity medicine specialist.

Questions to Ask at Your Consult

Walking into your consultation prepared can make your path feel a lot clearer, and it shows your team you take this seriously.

Here are some questions you can ask:

• “Does your program have a specific policy on GLP-1 meds?”

• “Do you require a pause or ‘washout period’ before the embryo transfer?”

• “If I stop, what symptoms should I expect and how should I manage them before the transfer?”

• “How should we coordinate with my prescribing clinician regarding the stop date?”

• “If I want to pump breastmilk, can I restart my medication later?”

• “What side effects (like nausea or dehydration) should I report right away?”

FAQs: GLP-1s and Surrogacy

Can you be a surrogate on a GLP-1 medication?

Yes, you can apply and be screened. Most clinics won’t allow GLP-1 use during pregnancy, and many require a washout period before embryo transfer. Your prescribing physician and fertility clinic will guide the exact timing.

Do surrogacy programs require stopping GLP-1 meds?

Often, yes. Because human pregnancy safety data is limited, many fertility clinics require a washout period (commonly around 2 months) before embryo transfer to reduce fetal exposure during early development.

Can GLP-1 affect embryo transfer prep?

It can. GLP-1s slow digestion, which can matter for procedure planning. A study in JAMA Surgery (2024) reported increased residual gastric content in patients taking GLP-1 agonists even after fasting, which is why clinics may require stopping before certain steps.

Is GLP-1 allowed during pregnancy?

In most cases, no. There isn’t enough human evidence to confirm safety, and animal studies have raised concerns. Your clinicians will advise you based on your medication, health history, and the fertility clinic’s protocol.

Can you take GLP-1 while breastfeeding or pumping?

Usually it’s not recommended while breastfeeding or pumping, because lactation safety data is limited and transfer into breast milk is not fully understood. If pumping is part of your plan, discuss timing for restart with your medical team.

What GLP-1 side effects matter most for screening?

The most common concerns are ongoing nausea or vomiting, dehydration risk, and severe constipation. These can overlap with early pregnancy symptoms and make nutrition and hydration harder—so clinics often want symptoms stable before clearance.

What should you tell your coordinator about your dose changes?

Share your medication name, dose, schedule, start date, and your last dose change date. Dose escalations can trigger symptoms, and your team wants you physically steady before progressing.

What if you’re using compounded GLP-1?

You can still apply, but clinics may ask for extra documentation to confirm ingredients and dosage consistency. The goal is clarity for your medical records and pregnancy planning.

Start Your Journey with Physician’s Surrogacy Today

Being on a GLP-1 medication often means you’ve been working hard on your health – and that matters in surrogacy.

It doesn’t cancel your ability to help a family. It just means your timeline needs to be planned with care, so you feel stable and supported before pregnancy.

At Physician’s Surrogacy, our OB-GYN-led team is uniquely qualified to guide you through these medical decisions. We understand the nuances of modern medications and pregnancy planning.

You don’t have to figure out the timing alone. If you are ready to see if you qualify, reach out to us today. Let’s create a safe, successful plan together that honors your health and your desire to give the ultimate gift.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing physician and your surrogacy medical team regarding medication management and pregnancy safety.