Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant?

The Role of Melatonin During Pregnancy

Naturally occurring melatonin appears to play a role in pregnancy, although more research is needed to fully understand how the hormone operates in this context. A pregnant woman’s melatonin can cross the placenta and bind to receptors in a fetus Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , suggesting melatonin levels impact an unborn baby. Melatonin may also be produced locally in the placenta, with melatonin levels at their highest during the first trimester.

Research suggests a woman’s melatonin levels may influence her ability to become and stay pregnant. One study found that night shift workers with disrupted melatonin levels are more likely to experience infertility and miscarriages Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Melatonin promotes fertility by improving ovarian function and ovulation. Additionally, melatonin helps an embryo implant itself in the uterus and begin to grow.

Melatonin levels are much lower in pregnant women experiencing severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition in which a pregnant woman experiences high blood pressure, sometimes accompanied by excess protein in the urine Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to seizures or organ damage in pregnant women, as well as early birth or birth complications. Some professionals suggest melatonin supplements can help women with preeclampsia.

Is It Safe to Take Melatonin Supplements While Pregnant?

Currently, there is not enough research to confirm that taking melatonin supplements while pregnant is safe. In certain instances, however, healthcare professionals may recommend melatonin to pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant. For example, some professionals recommend melatonin supplements for older women trying to become pregnant, for pregnant women with preeclampsia, or for women with endometriosis Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

In pregnant women without a documented health issue known to be associated with low melatonin levels, supplementation might not be a good idea. Melatonin levels naturally rise throughout pregnancy. One potential risk of supplementing with melatonin during this time could be too much melatonin in the body.

Researchers have not conducted much research on the safety of melatonin supplements in healthy pregnant women. In an animal study of pregnant rats, melatonin supplementation negatively impacted litter size, as well as the growth and mortality rates of the pups Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . However, we it is not clear if these results can be generalized to humans.

If you are pregnant and experiencing insomnia, melatonin supplementation may not be the best course of action. Instead, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and improved sleep hygiene might help. If you’re older and trying to get pregnant, or pregnant and facing preeclampsia, consult with your doctor before trying melatonin supplementation.

Asking Your Doctor About Melatonin and Sleep During Pregnancy

Talking to your doctor before taking melatonin or any supplement during pregnancy is of utmost importance. Your doctor will help ensure you aren’t exposing yourself to anything that could potentially harm you or your unborn baby. Additionally, your doctor can consider your health history and other medications and supplements to account for all potential problems and interactions.

If you’re curious about melatonin and sleep troubles during pregnancy, consider asking your doctor these questions:

• What do you view as potential benefits and risks of supplementing with melatonin while pregnant?
• Given my medical history and overall health, do you recommend I supplement with melatonin while pregnant?
• Aside from supplementation, what strategies or treatments do you recommend for my current sleep troubles?

What Are Other Ways to Improve Sleep While Pregnant?

Many sleep tips exist to help you improve your sleep during pregnancy. A systematic review of multiple studies found limited evidence that the following interventions help  pregnant women sleep better Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source :

• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
• Pharmacotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness and yoga
• Relaxation
• Herbal medication

Changing your sleep position could also help improve your sleep while you are pregnant. Side sleeping is generally recommended during pregnancy, and using blankets and pillows for support may make this position more comfortable.