Can You Take Melatonin During Pregnancy?

Those who are pregnant might consider taking melatonin for sleep problems, which are common during pregnancy.

Studies show that melatonin use among pregnant populations is somewhat common at about 4 percent. Concerns about using melatonin while pregnant and breastfeeding might be due to the results of animal research. Data gathered from human clinical trials that used exogenous melatonin did not yield adverse events or considerable safety concerns.

How Melatonin Works

Melatonin is the main player when it comes to the body’s biological clock. It is often known as the sleep hormone.

Melatonin is produced naturally in the body by the pineal gland and then released into the bloodstream. Production increases during the hours of darkness, setting the table for a healthy night of sleep.

Melatonin supplements have gained in popularity in recent years for those who have trouble sleeping or experience irregular sleep patterns. Melatonin and sleep have become somewhat synonymous with each other.

Current research supports melatonin as a safe sleep supplement for both children and adults.

Melatonin & Pregnancy

Several different sleep-related disorders are possible during pregnancy. The most common sleep disorders during pregnancy include the following:

• Insomnia
• Restless legs syndrome
• Night-time gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Insomnia is quite common during pregnancy, and it is often the result of hormonal changes. Those who are pregnant may reach a point where they are looking for safe and effective ways to promote sleep.

Can I Take Melatonin in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

Melatonin is naturally produced by your body to help you sleep but a typical melatonin supplement gives you one to three milligrams of melatonin. This raises the melatonin in your body to about 20 times its natural level. That gives doctors some pause. Research into how melatonin affects a developing baby is limited. Right now there isn’t research to necessarily say it’s dangerous but there’s also not enough research to say that it’s safe especially in the first trimester.

Can I Take Melatonin in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

Trouble sleeping is common in pregnancy but researchers know very little about how melatonin supplements affect your baby or your own health while you’re pregnant. Because of this doctors typically don’t advise that you take melatonin supplements while pregnant unless perhaps you have a condition already that lowers your natural melatonin levels.

Can I Take Melatonin in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?

Did you know your body naturally produces more melatonin during your pregnancy? Still, about 80% of moms have insomnia in their third trimester. If you’re having insomnia while your body is already producing extra melatonin then melatonin supplements might not help you sleep. There also isn’t strong research to determine that it’s safe for you or your baby. Most doctors recommend other alternatives instead of melatonin in your third trimester of pregnancy.

Potential Side Effects of Melatonin

Although melatonin is considered non-toxic, there are still mild symptoms and side effects associated with taking higher doses as well as extended-release formulations.

Adverse effects from taking high doses of melatonin include the following:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Daytime sleepiness
• Headaches
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety

Historically, physicians and health care professionals have encouraged individuals to avoid melatonin use during pregnancy due to a lack of safety profile. This is more about the lack of studies conducted than adverse events being reported.

Melatonin Alternatives

Although melatonin is produced by the body naturally, those who are pregnant may not wish to take any sort of supplements during pregnancy, especially if they would like to avoid potential side effects like depression and anxiety.

Essential oils can be a safe and effective alternative to melatonin. Lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils all have calming and relaxing properties.

Although ginkgo biloba is considered a melatonin alternative, it should be avoided in close proximity to labor due to its antiplatelet properties, which could affect bleeding during labor. The safety profile of ginkgo biloba is also not known during the lactation stage due to a lack of studies and testing.

Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and incorporating deep relaxation techniques can help promote a better night of sleep. This should be the first course of action when dealing with insomnia during pregnancy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help improve sleep and reduce overall anxiety and depression.

Melatonin & Pregnancy FAQS