'I became pregnant while using weight-loss jabs - despite being on contraceptive pill'
'I became pregnant while using weight-loss jabs - despite being on contraceptive pill'
Natasha Major was astounded when she found out as she had previously been trying for two years for a second child without success
Natasha Major and her partner
(Image: Kennedy News and Media )
A mum is warning women after falling pregnant while using 'skinny jabs' - despite being on the pill. Natasha Major bought the Mounjaro injections online in April to help her lose weight to become more healthy and confident before trying for her third baby.
But the mum-of-two was stunned to discover she was pregnant just six weeks later despite taking the contraceptive pill each morning. The 26-year-old has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which makes her periods irregular, meaning she tried for two years to have her second child, so is 'baffled' how it happened.
Recent studies show that Mounjaro could 'reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in overweight people who are advised to use non-oral forms', according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Natasha never knew the injections could potentially reduce the effectiveness of her birth control and as soon as she discovered she was pregnant immediately stopped using the jabs.
Now she wants to warn other women to take necessary precautions. Natasha, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, said: "I thought 'there's no way, how can I have PCOS which gives me struggles with conceiving and also be taking contraception on top of that. How can I fall pregnant?'
Natasha Jones bought the Mounjaro injections online in April to help her lose weight to become more healthy and confident before trying for another baby
(Image: Kennedy News and Media )
"I have PCOS so I have really irregular periods and nothing is regular so that's why I started taking the contraceptive pill on top of not wanting to have a baby right now. Me and my partner, Liam, have two children already and always knew we'd love one more but I am overweight.
Article continues below
"Being overweight and pregnant makes it difficult. I knew I didn't want to fall pregnant now but maybe in two or three years we could start trying. I've always struggled with my weight, dieting and trying to get to a good size and maintaining it.
"I wanted to be healthy and more confident and also so I could go on to have a healthier pregnancy in the future. I hoped I'd lose the weight so I went online and ordered the Mounjaro injections.
"I'd only done it for two weeks before falling pregnant. Every morning at the same time I take it. I wasn't taking it at the wrong time as I know stuff like that can affect how effective the pill is."
Natasha had taken her sixth weight loss injection on the morning of May 6. She then took an ovulation test that same day that came back darker than usual, so she decided to take a pregnancy test just in case, which came back positive so she stopped taking the jabs.
Natasha said: "We weren't planning it so at first I was in disbelief. It really baffled me. When I was trying for my second daughter it took two years and the entire two years I was taking ovulation tests daily for months and I never, ever got a positive.
"Then there was more panic with taking the Mounjaro. I was like 'oh my goodness, something might go wrong or there might be something wrong with the baby or I might miscarry'. I rang the GP and they just said to me 'we don't have anything to tell you, you need to ring 111'. They pretty much said the same thing, 'there's absolutely no information on it'.
"All they said was 'if you start bleeding, you're probably miscarrying and to stop taking the Mounjaro'. I had that in my head anyway that I wouldn't carry on taking it."
Now nine weeks pregnant, Natasha underwent an early baby scan due to her PCOS where doctors confirmed her baby is healthy. Natasha said: "I am a lot happier now. I wasn't unhappy at first but it was just a shock that took over.
"I'm quite fortunate that I do want to be a mum again. Having a baby for me is great and we can have it now rather than in three or four years. There's still that constant (worry that) I was on (the weight loss jabs) and there were no studies for that.
"Until I've got that baby and they are fine and healthy and everything's gone smoothly, I'll still have that feeling in the back of my mind. I'm quite lucky I took that ovulation test because I wouldn't have known and I would've carried on with the Mounjaro and that could have caused a lot more problems."
After her shock discovery, Natasha wants to spread awareness of the potential effects weight loss jobs have on oral contraception. Natasha said: "I don't remember reading anywhere or it wasn't made clear to me that Mounjaro can dilute your contraceptive pill and to take other precautions if you're not wanting a baby.
"There's a lot of people that really don't know that. It's just important that you're aware and not put in that position where you have to make a decision about whether you're going to continue a pregnancy, or have that anxiety throughout the entire time that something could go wrong because you've taken that medication."
A spokesman from Eli Lilly, the drug firm that makes Mounjaro, said: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we actively engage in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information for all our medicines.
"The Summary of Product Characteristics for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) explains that tirzepatide "has the potential to impact the rate of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products" and that the impact "is most pronounced at the time of tirzepatide treatment initiation."
"The tirzepatide Patient Information Leaflet pregnancy section states: This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as the effects of this medicine on an unborn child are not known. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.
Article continues below
"It is recommended to use contraception while using this medicine. If you are a woman with obesity or overweight and are using oral contraceptives, you should consider also using a barrier method of contraception (e.g. a condom) or switching to a non-oral contraceptive method for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and for four weeks after each increase in dose."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Gloriah's Pulse Point Oils are a viral sensation and now have 20% off
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more We have tried and tested a whole host of vitamins and supplements in a bid to help us get a full undisturbed sleep, boost our energy levels, and regulate our hormones. But there is a new supplement that has been going viral you need to have on your radar too. Gloriah is a female founded brand that has created products to suit a host of female health concerns after the duo – one of whom is an NHS nurse, the other battles with PCOS – struggled to find solutions to their own needs. The products span across sleep support, hormone balance, and energy levels,all of which are 100% natural, hormone-free, vegan friendly and made in the UK. But it's the Energise & Unwind Duo that has garnered a lot of attention – not least because it is on offer. This duo contains two pulse oils, including Hey, Sunshine and Slow Jam, which are to be applied on the pulse points morning and night, respectively. Hey, Sunshine boasts citrus notes that work to energise the mind and body, reduce that sluggish feeling and promote focus in the Jam is to be used in the evening to de-stress, reduce anxiety and promote sleep. The products are made in the UK, contain no hormones, are non-invasive and 100% natural. BUY NOW FOR £25 Whether you are dealing with the effects of PMDD, perimenopause, PCOS or postpartum recovery, mood swings and disrupted sleep are some of the most stubborn and overlooked symptoms of hormonal imbalance, which is exactly what the Energise & Unwind Duo aim to combat. The bundle includes Hey, Sunshine pulse oil, which is to be used in the morning to energise the mind and body, combat the morning sluggishness and brain fog, as well as enhance mental clarity. The set also features Slow Jam, which is an anxiety-reducing pulse oil that promotes sleep and relaxation in the evening. Unsurprisingly Hey Sunshine is an energising scent as it boasts notes of citrus fruits, while Slow Jam boasts notes of myrrh and tonka. Both scents have been patented and clinically tested. Gloriah founders believe hormones do not just impact your monthly cycle but your brain chemistry, which is why they developed effective pulse oils that tune into your sense of smell. Why is this helpful? The scent activates the areas of your brain responsible for emotional regulation, concentration and relaxation. Putting it simply, Gloriah's products are 'scent science', coined the brand, and they are not just another perfume. The pulse oils offer a holistic and non-invasive remedy that supports your nervous system, and it doesn't rely on you consuming supplements to work. They are science-backed, mess-free and have been clinically shown to support the nervous system when things feel a little out of whack. Hey Sunshine and Slow Jam claims to sync with your hormonal rhythm and help regulate your body from morning to night. All you have to do is swipe the rollerball along the wrists and neck, then let the fragrance compounds work their magic. Gloriah reported this cult duo sold out within one week, and while the set is back in stock we predict it won't be for long, especially with Metro's exclusive discount codes. From now until 30 June, shoppers can get 15% off the Energise & Unwind Duo using the promotional code 'METRO15', or 20% off when you buy three or more products and add the code 'METRO20' at the checkout. More Trending This bundle has garnered glowing reviews from shoppers. Delilah's review read: 'I didn't think scent could change how I feel but these genuinely do. no fuss, just works', while Quinn added: 'I noticed I feel more grounded using these, like I'm not rushing as much. Nice to feel that shift.' A separate shopper, named Zara, shared: 'I didn't know scent could do this much. I love how these feel on the skin too, not sticky or heavy.' Sold. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: From Space NK to Mango – here's 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend MORE: Molly-Mae Hague shares her new holiday beauty routine including full make-up breakdown MORE: Get over £150 of beauty products for just £45 with this LOOKFANTASTIC summer edit
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
I was traumatised when I was plagued by grim ‘fart burps' months after taking Mounjaro fat jabs
HANNAH Metcalfe caught a whiff of something very unpleasant and felt her cheeks flush red. "It's him, he's farted!" she squealed, pointing at one of the burly blokes standing nearby her at the New Year's party. But the taste in her mouth told a very different - truthful - story. 6 6 6 In fact, the 31-year-old knew the rotten egg smell had come from one of her own burps - an embarrassing side effect of taking weight loss jabs. Around three months after she first started using them, she began having these horrific burps that her friends and family would often compare to the stench of farts, much to her embarrassment. But, despite the embarrassing side effect, Hannah says the weight loss jabs were well worth the trouble, and has gone on to drop an incredible 5st 11lbs. At her heaviest, Hannah weighed 16st 7lbs and was struggling with health concerns as a result, including back pain and muscular issues. Ashamed by her size, she refused to pose for pictures during her own 30th birthday trip to Las Vegas, and couldn't properly enjoy the 'once in a lifetime' holiday with her mum. At her wits end, and having had no luck with diets like Slimming World, fasting and juicing,she decided to try weight loss jab Mounjaro last September. But while the weight started to drop off of her, the unpleasant side effect reared its head. When people noticed the "rotten eggs" stench, Hannah was forced to blame other people for breaking wind or pretended to wonder who was responsible. 'I'm incredibly fortunate that I've had a great experience – but I did experience some of the weirder side effects,' the accounts assistant, from Manchester, tells Sun Health. 'I started having sulphur, rotten egg-like burps after 12 weeks. 'They didn't have any pattern and just happened randomly, no matter what I ate. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies 'I remember them being really warm in my throat, and the smell was horrendous. 'Usually people would think that I'd passed wind – and weirdly that was less embarrassing to admit! 'I kept quite private [during my weight loss] as it was really embarrassing.' Hannah – who worked with weight loss program Juniper – also experienced constipation and dizzy spells, but kept a close eye on what she was consuming throughout her weight loss. She said: 'I knew some of the side effects might occur from the information Juniper had provided me with. 'If I experienced something that I hadn't read or seen online, my health coach provided me tips and information on what was happening, which I really liked. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 'I never felt worried about the side effects I was experiencing. 'I was aware of the [potential] sulphur burps, so when they started, I wasn't panicked.' Hannah was a size 24 when she started taking Mounjaro and 'unbelievably unhappy' with how she looked. She said: 'I've always been focused on body confidence and not being ashamed of how I looked, but so many more external factors started to nag in my head. 'I had lower back pain, and regardless of so many scans and doctors appointments to find a root cause, it all fell down to my weight, and the deterioration of my muscles not being able to support my weight. 'It was a really big shock to the system. 6 'I went on the holiday with my mum and I don't have any photos of myself enjoying it, because I hated having photos taken – I still regret that, but my body confidence was shot and my mental health with it too.' She eased her way into the medication, starting on a low dose and building up – and has seen incredible results. Despite any strange side effects, Hannah says it has all been well worth it. She said: 'Thankfully I didn't experience the really bad side effects that some people experience, such as sickness, which I'm grateful for – but I think that even if I did, I would still recommend it. 'I actually recommended it to my partner, and he started taking the medication and has successfully lost weight, and he's experienced absolutely no side effects. 'I've lost 40cm off of my waist and feel amazing now. 'I constantly take photographs of myself and send them to my mum to show her how good I look in my new outfits. 'I also just booked a beach holiday so I can wear a bikini and get great photos of myself and how much I've lost. 'I'm not ashamed to look in the mirror, or try on clothes in a shop [anymore]. 'But it has been a learning curve, no longer seeing myself in a big body and shrouding myself in large clothes to hide myself. 'I still find it challenging to wear fitted clothes, but when I do, people notice and compliment me and it makes me feel amazing – and worth all the money I spent and the side effects I experienced.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Paracetamol pills urgently recalled over contamination fears
Paracetamol pills urgently recalled over contamination fears A statement issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said Chelonia Healthcare Limited is recalling specific batches of Paracetamol 500mg Tablets (100 pots) An urgent recall has been issued for batches of paracetamol which could be contaminated (Image: Anton Petrus via Getty Images ) Patients have been urged to return certain batches of paracetamol due to contamination fears, according to an announcement made on Monday. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that Chelonia Healthcare Limited, the manufacturer, is recalling specific batches of paracetamol 500mg tablets (100 pots) as a precautionary measure, reports the Mirror. The urgent recall is reportedly "due to contamination following a small number of complaints of discoloured tablets within the pots" and an alert has been issued to anyone who has bought them. It advises: "Patients or carers should check to see if they have received tablets from the listed batches of Paracetamol 500 mg Tablets. The batch number can be found on the label of the medicine bottle and on the outer carton. "These tablets can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription. The number of tablets you will have been given will vary depending on your prescription and you may have only received a small number of tablets." For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . Medicine Details: Paracetamol 500mg Tablets. Article continues below PL: 33414/0126. Active ingredient: Paracetamol. SNOMED code: 33554711000001108. GTIN: 05060014445506. The statement further added: "The tablets should be 'white capsule-shaped tablets, scored on one side', as per the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). If you find tablets that are discoloured in any way, in pots from the listed batches, please contact your pharmacist or the healthcare professional who dispensed your prescription. "Patients who experience adverse reactions or have any questions about the medication, should seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme." Article continues below The MHRA has classified the recall as Class 2, suggesting that while the defect could result in mistreatment or harm, it is not deemed life-threatening or serious. Pharmacists have been given explicit instructions: "Stop supplying the above batches immediately. Quarantine all remaining stock and return it to your supplier, using your supplier's approved process."
