Can You Use Melatonin During Pregnancy?

Introduction

Pregnancy is that time in life when many things seem to be changing at a breathtaking speed, and one of these is sleep. The number of expectant mothers who seem to notice the fact that these days, they are not so much sleeping as peeing has been on a steady rise.

Well, no surprise that some of these women start thinking of the fact that that bottle with melatonin supplements sits there on the bedside table, trying to cure the worries on the subconscious level.

Now wait just a minute here. Before we delve into the world of melatonin and pregnancy to look at if it's safe or not, let's look at why you might think about it during your pregnancy. Maybe some well-meaning friend said it was your ticket to rest-filled nights.

Maybe you've heard melatonin is natural and thus safe. Maybe you believe that anything with the word "supplement" in it must be okay during pregnancy.

Melatonin Myths and Facts? After all, they're sometimes related to each other like a wadded-up pair of earbuds in your pocket. Some people believe melatonin is completely off-limits during pregnancy. At the same time, others believe it's the miracle sleep solution, with zero risks. The truth, of course, lies somewhere in the middle.

That is what we are here for. This article seeks to unravel the information flow that goes with the use of melatonin during pregnancy. We will inform you on what science says, discuss potential benefits and risks, and leave you equipped with the knowledge you need to make a decision. Remember, this is not about telling you what to do but providing you with facts to give you an informative interaction with your healthcare provider.

So let's go forth on this journey together and find out: Can you really take melatonin while pregnant?

Understanding Melatonin

So, first things first: What is melatonin anyway? More than an artificial fancy sleep-inducing concoction, your body naturally produces it, actually. One would say it's the very best friend of your biological clock. That's because when darkness finally sets in, your pineal gland begins to pump it, sending a message to your body to stay calm and catch up with the Zzzs.

Here is where things start to deviate, however: this process is not considered sedentary in the production of the melatonin hormone in your body. All kinds of factors have effects on it, from stress on account of blue light from a screen to even whatever you had for dinner. That is why some people turn to supplements of melatonin in the hope of nudging their sleep a bit in the right direction.

Now you are probably asking yourself, "If my body produces melatonin, why would I ever use a supplement?" Well, there are some people who think that a little bit extra of it really helps them to fall asleep quicker and remain asleep for a longer duration. It is also a favorite with many of those with jet-setting aspirations, trying to conquer the catch known as jet lag.

How much melatonin is safe: Melatonin Dosage and Safety During Pregnancy

Is melatonin safe for pregnancy

Melatonin is typically used in doses of 0.5 -10 mg. The dosage for most healthy adults is between 1-5mg, taken 30 minutes before going to bed for sleep. Now, regarding pregnancy, careful assessment needs to be done before the use of melatonin.

The dosage of melatonin during pregnancy is still under research. However, a lower dose is taken during pregnancy to ensure that potential risks of melatonin are minimized. The lowest possible—ideally from 0.5 mg to 1 mg—by many healthcare providers is the best dose to start from with an increase only if necessity calls. This strategic approach will ensure that the body will get only enough melatonin to enhance sleep without getting higher quantities of the hormone.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, and the body already increases its production while pregnant, especially in the later stages. Therefore, adding more melatonin should be done cautiously through supplementation.

Note: It should always be used cautiously and never without the consultation of a healthcare provider regarding the safest and most effective dosage during pregnancy.

What Research Says: Melatonin and Pregnancy

As we said, we know the basic things. But what if we throw pregnancy into the mix? Is melatonin safe for pregnancy? Well, things turn a little complicated. Here is some research that turns out to be positive as well as neutral.

• Melatonin for Sleep Onset Insomnia in Children and Adolescents: Melatonin has proven effective and tolerable for short-term treatment of sleep onset insomnia in children and adolescents. Further studies are necessary, especially for adolescents, to fully understand its efficacy and safety.
• Melatonin Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Clinical studies suggest melatonin is likely safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in humans. This review highlights the need for further clinical research on sleep disorders and melatonin use in these populations.
• Melatonin Therapy During Pregnancy and Neonatal Period: Short-term melatonin therapy is highly effective in reducing complications during pregnancy and the neonatal period. Long-term use has shown no significant toxicity or side effects, with potential benefits like improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
• Sensitive Window for Melatonin in Pregnancy: Research on rabbits indicates that the second week of pregnancy is a critical period for melatonin's effectiveness. Administering melatonin during this time can improve pregnancy outcomes, suggesting a potential sensitive window for its use.

The bottom line? The research sounds positive for considering Melatonin for sleep during pregnancy. But as individual pregnancies vary, it is not right to consider melatonin supplements are safe to take during your pregnancy until and unless your doctor gives you a green flag. Oh, and when it comes to growing a tiny human, "maybe" is never really all that comforting.

Safety Concerns

And this is where it gets serious. The FDA doesn't truly regulate melatonin supplements in the way that it does its prescription drugs; therefore brand quality and ingredients can be nothing short of a crapshoot.

Furthermore, melatonin is in an area where the pregnancy classifications fall. Being that melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement, it has no FDA pregnancy letter classification like pharmaceuticals. This is the reason most healthcare providers say to err on the side of caution when it comes to melatonin during pregnancy.

Remember, too, that melatonin is a drug that interacts with other medications. If you are on anything for blood pressure, diabetes, or depression, throwing melatonin into the mix might cause a problem. Of course, the pregnant body is doing much more work, so these interactions might be even more unpredictable.

Melatonin Substitutes for Sleep During Pregnancy

Melatonin Substitutes During Pregnancy

Now you must be thinking, "Great, melatonin could be risky, but I still can't sleep!" Don't worry; we've got you covered. There are so many ways to safely improve your sleep during pregnancy without taking Melatonin.

• Set the scene for sleep: Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. A pregnancy pillow can add comfort to your changing body. And try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Consider what you eat: Now, the things you're feeding into your body. Cut back on caffeine, especially in the afternoon and the evening. Midnight snacks are yummy. Just try not to eat a really big meal close to bedtime.
• Work Out: Physical exercise is also a game-changer in what we are discussing about sleep. Even a gentle walk or some prenatal yoga can tire you out and reduce stress. Just try to finish up your workout a few hours before bedtime.

If you find you cannot sleep due to a racing mind, try some relaxation techniques. Calm your mind and prepare it for sleep through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or maybe even a warm—not hot—bath.

When to Seek Medical Advice

We understand pregnancy can become overwhelming. We read the lists of do's and don'ts, and it's easy to lose your way. Here's the thing: your healthcare provider is your greatest ally on this journey. Don't suffer in silence with sleep issues during your pregnancy. Do something about it and reach out to your doctor or midwife.

This is particularly serious if you possess any of these pre-existing conditions, as they can also interfere with your sleep: apnea or Restless Legs Syndrome. Some of these may get worse with pregnancy, and, for some, you may supplement your medical provider about how to handle these in a way that is safe for the baby and for you.

How about taking any supplement at all, melatonin included, during pregnancy? Always, always, always check with your health care provider first. They know your individual health history and can give you really personalized guidance based on exactly what's going on with you.