To the extent that these new medications are effective in reducing and maintaining BMI within a healthier range in women who are currently overweight or obese, they may lead to improvement in subsequent pregnancy outcomes. However, avoiding exposure to these medications during early pregnancy will be a challenge, even with pregnancy prevention guidance and restricted distribution programs. Postmarketing surveillance for outcomes of inadvertently exposed pregnancies will be essential.
Dr. Chambers is associate professor of pediatrics and family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego. She is director of the California Teratogen Information Service and Clinical Research Program. Dr. Chambers is a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists and past president of the Teratology Society. She said she had no relevant financial disclosures. To comment, e-mail her at obnews@elsevier.com.