Melatonin During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits And Alternatives

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Pregnancy-related discomforts can make it challenging for women to get enough sleep. It is why several women consider trying melatonin during pregnancy to improve their sleep. Melatonin is a natural hormone that primarily regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is generally used to treat sleep problems in people over 55 but may also be prescribed to younger individuals in some cases. In the US, melatonin is considered a dietary supplement. Hence, it is available without a prescription. However, its unguided use, especially during pregnancy, may negatively affect the mother and the baby. Read on to know if melatonin is safe for pregnant women, its potential side effects, and safer alternatives.

In This Article

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness. It helps regulate circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock), such as the sleep-wake cycle, neuroendocrine rhythmsⁱXRhythmic and synchronized release of hormones in response to signals from the nervous system , or body temperature cycles. Exposure to light at night can block its production and affect circadian rhythm regulation (1).

Synthetic melatonin mimics the functions of the endogenous hormone and is used as a dietary supplement to treat/manage primary insomnia, jet lag, sleep problems due to shift work, neurodegenerative issues, and post-traumatic brain injuries. However, ongoing research now aims to understand if melatonin can benefit metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, psychological, and gastrointestinal problems (2).

Quick fact

Melatonin supplements can be made from microorganisms or animals, but often, they contain synthetic melatonin (3).

Is It Safe To Take Melatonin During Pregnancy?

Avoid self-medication with OTC melatonin supplements

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Melatonin supplementation during pregnancy is typically not advised due to a lack of evidence on its safety in humans. Additionally, animal studies have shown some adverse pregnancy outcomes (4) (5). While some studies suggest that taking melatonin for shorter durations during pregnancy may be safe (6), expecting women should not take OTC melatonin without consulting a healthcare provider.

Over-the-counter melatonin products can contain high doses of melatonin, which can increase its level in the body by up to 20 times above normal. Additionally, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) does not regulate melatonin supplements. Hence, their content may vary widely among products. High melatonin levels may have untoward effects on the growing fetus. Thus, pregnant women should not use melatonin supplements unless directed otherwise by the doctor (7).

Does Melatonin Help You Sleep?

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Endogenous melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and a synthetic melatonin supplement may imitate this function. When used for sleep problems, it can make you fall asleep faster and reduce nighttime awakenings. However, expecting women with sleep issues should speak to their doctor or midwife before using melatonin supplements (5).

What Are The Potential Benefits Of Melatonin During Pregnancy?

Endogenous melatonin levels (nighttime) naturally increase during pregnancy, especially after 24 weeks of gestation, and reach their peak after 32 weeks (8). The hormone can cross the placenta and interact with melatonin receptors in fetal tissues and influence their internal clock. There’s limited research on the potential benefits of melatonin during pregnancy, but some studies suggest it may (8) (9):

Participate in normal placental development and function
Act as an indirect antioxidant and protects cells from oxidative damage, thereby improving the immune system responses
Help develop sleep patterns in fetus late in pregnancy
Assist in fetal neurodevelopment
Reduce risk of complications such as preeclampsiaⁱXA pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)ⁱXA condition where the fetus is smaller than expected for their gestational age
Enhance the effects of oxytocin and support childbirth

While endogenous melatonin provides various benefits, its effectiveness as a supplement needs extensive research, mainly because the dosage and administration time are the main factors determining its efficacy.

Did you know?

In humans, the pineal gland matures after birth. Therefore, the fetus or infant cannot produce melatonin and depend on melatonin supplied by the mother through the placenta and later through breast milk (8).

What Are The Side Effects Of Melatonin?

Melatonin supplements may cause daytime sleepiness

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Most individuals taking melatonin supplements will not have any side effects. However, there can be side effects in sensitive cases, such as pregnancy. Take your doctor’s opinion in case you experience side effects. Common side effects are (5):

Daytime sleepiness or tiredness
Stomach pain or nausea
Arm or leg pain
Headache
Dizziness
Restlessness, anxiety, or irritability
Dry mouth
Dry or itchy skin
Strange dreams
Night sweats

Although rare, there may be some serious adverse effects, such as:

Feeling of depression
Watery eyes or blurry vision
Fainting or feeling faint
Confusion or vertigo
Unexplained bruising or blood in the urine
Symptoms of psoriasisⁱXA chronic, autoimmune skin disease characterized by raised, scaly patches on the skin

Be watchful

Melatonin supplements may cause allergic reactions in rare cases. The common symptoms include skin rash, wheezing, troubled breathing, and swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat (3) (5).

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives To Melatonin

Occasional use of antihistamines such as doxylamine and diphenhydramine is usually considered safe to tackle sleep issues during pregnancy (10) (11). According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, approximately 38.2% of pregnant women experience insomnia symptoms. Expecting women experiencing such sleep issues may take these drugs under medical guidance. The doctor will determine the root cause of insomnia and prescribe safe medications accordingly (12).

Natural Ways To Increase Your Melatonin Levels

Melatonin-rich foods help boost endogenous melatonin

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Melatonin can be found in fungi, animal, and plant-based foods. Some of the melatonin-rich foods you can add to your diet to naturally increase your melatonin levels include (13):

Eggs
Fish
Milk
Lentils
Nuts such as pistachios
Grains (preferably whole grains) such as rice, wheat, barley, and oats
Fruits such as grapes, tart cherry, and strawberry
Vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and pepper
Mushrooms

Some other ways you can up your melatonin levels include (14) (15):

Regular natural light exposure during the day
Avoiding screen exposure and bright lights near bedtime, as artificial blue light from electronic devices suppresses melatonin release

Point to consider

Thoroughly cook foods, such as eggs, low-mercury fish, and meat, to an internal temperature of 160 to 165°F (71 to 73°C) to reduce the risk of bacterial infections during pregnancy (16).

Safety Precautions To Follow When Taking Melatonin

You may need to exercise certain precautions if your doctor advises you to take melatonin for sleep issues during pregnancy. They include:

Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any interactions.
Avoid melatonin supplements available in combination with other herbs or sleep aids.
Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Take the supplement at the same time of the day as instructed by your doctor (17).
It is not advisable to take melatonin supplements if you have an underlying kidney disorder, liver problem, or an autoimmune condition (5).
Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects.

What Are Other Ways To Improve Sleep When Pregnant?

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Adequate sleep is essential to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Here are some ways you can improve your sleep during pregnancy (18) (19) (20):

Follow a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily
Exercise regularly, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime
Keep daytime naps short
Practice relaxation techniques or listen to guided meditation before bedtime
Take a warm bath or shower to relax before bed
Indulge in calming activities such as reading a book to calm your mind
Use aromatherapy by diffusing essential oils to feel relaxed
Don’t keep electronic items, such as TV and computer, in your bedroom
Ensure your bedroom is a quiet space with no disturbing sounds
Minimize caffeine intake(tea, coffee, and cola drinks) and avoid it especially later in the day
Try finishing your last meal two to three hours before going to bed
Avoid spicy and acidic food later in the day to reduce discomfort due to acid reflux
Drink plenty of water throughout the day but reduce intake before bedtime to reduce the frequency of nighttime toilet breaks

You may also try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), massage therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness practices, and yoga under expert guidance (12). Sleeping on your side while keeping a pillow between your legs or a wedge pillow behind your back may also help you sleep better as your bump grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I take melatonin before realizing I am pregnant?

Melatonin supplements have not been reported to cause any harm if taken during early pregnancy. However, it is advisable to stop taking the supplements and consult your doctor if you test positive for pregnancy (21).

2. Does melatonin affect babies in the womb?

Melatonin levels remain high during pregnancy, and taking melatonin supplements may make the levels too high. However, how this may impact fetal development is subject to further research. Hence, pregnant women should take melatonin supplements only under medical supervision (7).

3. Does melatonin cancel out birth control?

Currently, no evidence shows that melatonin interacts with birth control measures.

4. Is 10mg of melatonin too much when pregnant?

Melatonin levels change throughout pregnancy, potentially increasing up to two-fold by the third trimester (8). A standard supplement dose of about 1 to 3mg elevates blood melatonin to 20 times normal. Therefore, taking 10mg of melatonin could cause hormone excess leading to adverse effects.

5. Can melatonin cause preterm labor?

No, melatonin does not cause preterm labor. In fact, some studies indicate that it may help minimize preterm birth risk (22).

6. Where can I purchase melatonin?

Melatonin supplements can be purchased without a prescription from a pharmacy or online drugstore. However, using these products during pregnancy is not advisable. Pregnant women should only take melatonin supplements on prescription.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the body’s internal clock. Its reduced production in the body can cause several issues, such as insomnia. Melatonin supplements are commonly used to improve sleep. However, the US FDA does not regulate them. Besides, they may contain other herbs and drugs, which may have adverse effects (3). Therefore, using melatonin during pregnancy may not be safe. Endogenous melatonin participates in fetal development and may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Avoiding electronic gadgets around bedtime and following a consistent sleep schedule are a few ways to boost the body’s melatonin production naturally.

Infographic: Natural Ways To Improve Melatonin Levels During Pregnancy

Using a melatonin supplement during pregnancy may not be safe. Hence, you may try to enhance the endogenous levels of melatonin to get sufficient sleep. Our infographic below lists natural ways that may help you increase melatonin production in the body. These pregnancy-safe methods boost melatonin production and positively affect your overall health.

how to boost natural melatonin for good sleep during pregnancy (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Key Pointers

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a vital role in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Endogenous melatonin production during pregnancy increases and influences the fetus’s internal clock.
Melatonin supplements are often used for a short duration to treat insomnia but may not be safe for pregnant women.
Eating melatonin-rich foods and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help improve melatonin production naturally.
OTC melatonin during pregnancy should only be used under medical supervision.

Are you considering taking melatonin supplements while pregnant? Gain clarity through this informative video, shedding light on melatonin’s safety and its implications for expectant mothers.

References

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