{"id":15441,"date":"2022-09-15T14:04:50","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T12:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/?p=15441"},"modified":"2022-09-15T14:04:50","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T12:04:50","slug":"can-you-take-melatonin-while-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/can-you-take-melatonin-while-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant: Unanswered Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnant <\/span>women<\/span> often face difficulties sleeping. Excitement about becoming a new mom, hormonal changes, and many other factors can contribute to losing <\/span>sleep<\/span>. So, it’s no surprise that many of them are interested in taking <\/span>sleep aids<\/span>, such as melatonin.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>But is melatonin safe for expecting mothers? Or babies?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s find out!<\/span><\/p>\n

Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There still isn’t enough scientific evidence proving that melatonin is safe to take during pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s still a lot that we don’t know \u2014 what would be the appropriate <\/span>dosage<\/span> of melatonin supplements for pregnant <\/span>women<\/span>, how this <\/span>hormone<\/span> would affect the pregnant <\/span>woman<\/span> (and the<\/span> baby<\/span>) in the long run, what are the most common <\/span>side effects<\/span>, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There aren’t many human studies tackling this topic out there, and the results of certain<\/span> animal studies didn’t look too promising. For example, <\/span>an animal study<\/span><\/a> suggested that taking <\/span>melatonin while pregnant<\/span> may affect babies’ growth as well as mortality.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why medical professionals don’t routinely prescribe melatonin supplements as <\/span>sleep<\/span> regulators to expecting mothers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melatonin and Pregnancy<\/b><\/h2>\n

Our bodies naturally produce melatonin, and they keep doing so during pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melatonin production increases drastically in the first <\/span>trimester<\/span>. The levels of this hormone increase after the 24th week of gestation and once again in the 32nd week of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is because, besides the melatonin our bodies would normally produce, additional reserves of this hormone are produced by the <\/span>placenta<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mother’s melatonin levels greatly affect the baby. Namely, melatonin can travel from the mother to the baby, crossing the <\/span>placenta<\/span>, and bind to the unborn baby’s receptors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And this is why taking <\/span>melatonin during pregnancy<\/span> may pose a great <\/span>risk<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which Expecting Mothers May Still Get Melatonin Prescribed?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some medical professionals may decide to prescribe melatonin to their pregnant patients (or those who are trying to conceive). There’s a valid reason for this, which isn’t related to the <\/span>circadian rhythm and <\/span>slee<\/span>p<\/span><\/a> at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Namely, melatonin plays a crucial <\/span>role<\/span> in fertility. This hormone supports ovarian function, ovulation, <\/span>embryo<\/span> implantation, and uterus growth. What’s more, disrupted melatonin production may lead to infertility and miscarriages.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why some professionals advise melatonin supplementation for <\/span>women<\/span> who are struggling to get pregnant due to some underlying medical issues (e.g., endometriosis).<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, some medical professionals may prescribe melatonin supplements to pregnant women with <\/span>preeclampsia<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Much Melatonin Is Safe During Pregnancy<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A safe melatonin dose may greatly vary depending on many factors (a good starting dosage may vary from 0.2 mg to 5 mg).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical professionals recommend starting with lower doses to prevent an overdose (as pregnant women typically have naturally higher <\/span>melatonin levels<\/span>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, knowing that melatonin is still greatly unresearched as a <\/span>sleep<\/span> aid for pregnant women, it’s best to refrain from it (unless it was prescribed to you by a <\/span>doctor<\/span>) and opt for other sleep aids, which are more fit for pregnant women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which <\/b>Sleep Aids<\/b> Can I Use <\/b>During Pregnancy<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n

While medication may not be an option, there are some other things moms-to-be can do to resolve their sleep troubles:<\/span><\/p>\n