You’re snoring, awake most of the night, and, sure enough, you’re pregnant. Sleep issues are fairly frequent during pregnancy, and they can be caused by leg cramps, heartburn, worry, or simply general discomfort. Many individuals are curious if taking melatonin while pregnant is safe.
Since many drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, you could consider using a natural sleep aid like melatonin. Melatonin should only be taken while under the direct supervision of a doctor as it has not yet been shown that it is safe to use during pregnancy.
You may read more about ‘is melatonin safe during pregnancy?’, along with suggestions for other ways to get a good night’s sleep before giving birth.
Melatonin: What is it?
Our bodies naturally manufacture the hormone melatonin to assist control sleep patterns. Our bodies produce more melatonin in the dark, which makes us feel drowsy.
As a sleep aid, melatonin is also offered over the counter. Typically, synthetic substances that imitate the natural hormone are used to manufacture retail melatonin in a laboratory. Melatonin is occasionally mixed with other herbal components and marketed to induce calmness or sleepiness in doses ranging from 1 mg to 10 mg or even more.
Most people appear to be able to utilize melatonin safely for a brief period of time (and with a doctor’s supervision). Melatonin may be particularly beneficial for treating jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, various forms of anxiety, and specific sleep issues in children.
Is it safe to take melatonin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is not a popular time for melatonin prescriptions. just put, there just haven’t been enough studies to prove how pregnant women react to it.
According to studies, melatonin supplements may have a considerably greater or lower melatonin dosage than what is stated on the label. Some even had components that weren’t disclosed on the label. Anyone who consumes a larger dosage of a supplement or unidentified substances should be concerned, but pregnant women should be extra cautious.
Nevertheless, some medical professionals support the use of melatonin for expectant patients who have sleep issues, citing its extensive usage in the general public and the paucity of evidence of any risks.
Each pregnancy is unique. If you have any concerns about using melatonin while pregnant, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional about your specific situation.
Possibilities for melatonin during pregnancy
Although there aren’t many studies on melatonin use during pregnancy, several areas of active study are receiving attention from specialists. For instance, animal research indicates that taking melatonin supplements may help lower the incidence of preeclampsia and fetal growth limitation.
These preliminary results, however, are insufficiently convincing for any major medical organizations to advise pregnant women to take melatonin.
Melatonin substitutes that are safe during pregnancy
You don’t have to endure nine months of restless nights even without melatonin. Consult your doctor or midwife about using a safe sleep aid if your pregnant sleep problems are more severe than usual and are having an impact on your general health. Among the sedatives frequently administered during pregnancy are:
- Since we know more about the safety profile of this medicine with reference to pregnancy, the majority of obstetricians advise diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as a first-line treatment.
- Doxylamine (Unisom): This drug is safe to take during pregnancy at the full dosage advised for adults.
There are a number of non-pharmaceutical approaches to treating insomnia and sleeplessness during pregnancy, and most of them revolve around practicing excellent sleep hygiene.
- Avoid using your phone or watching TV in bed.
- Before going to bed, practice breathing techniques or meditation
- Using a pregnant cushion in bed to improve support and comfort
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime
Safety Measures
Melatonin should typically be avoided when you are expecting it because there isn’t enough evidence to support its safety or benefit for pregnant women in particular. However, take these precautions if you wish to test melatonin and you consistently have sleep issues:
- With your doctor, go through dose and duration: the lowest dose should generally be administered for the shortest amount of time to limit exposure to the developing fetus.
- Invest in a product with a USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) label since it means the manufacturer has chosen to have the quality of their melatonin product examined.
- Track negative effects: Talk often to your doctor about how melatonin is working for you.
Conclusion:
It’s crucial to see a healthcare professional and receive their guidance before taking melatonin as a sleep aid while pregnant, whether you already do so or are just considering it. Sometimes they can assist you choose a safer option or figure out why you’re having difficulties falling asleep in the first place.
Sleeping well during pregnancy isn’t always simple due to physical discomfort and heightened stress, but your medical team can provide you with more information about available treatments and recommend lifestyle modifications so you can get the rest you need before the baby is born.
