Bg
mobile-bg-toparticle-bg-top

Melatonin in pregnancy: Is it safe to take melatonin while pregnant?

Is there anything more enraging than hearing, “Sleep now before the baby gets here,” when you are pregnant? Between the physical and hormonal changes to your body, the pending arrival, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s no wonder so many have during pregnancy.

According to a 2007 poll by the National Sleep Foundation which focused on women and sleep, up to 1 in 5 people reported that they were diagnosed with a sleep disorder by a medical professional []. Other studies have shown these problems get worse during pregnancy – especially during the third trimester. (Which is the perfect time to learn .)

Recently, there's been growing interest in melatonin supplements for their sleep-regulating benefits. Melatonin, a natural hormone, is often considered a more natural sleep aid. However, its safety and effectiveness during pregnancy remain unclear. Although the body naturally produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm that melatonin supplements are safe or effective for pregnant women.


IN THIS ARTICLE:


While your body’s natural melatonin production brings many advantages to yourself and your little one, dietary supplements may not necessarily carry these same benefits. It is not known whether melatonin supplements are beneficial or harmful to fetal development. 

Melatonin is made by the pineal gland in the brain and its production is based on a recurring day-night cycle (circadian rhythm) based on how much light your eyes are receiving throughout the day. Normally, melatonin levels rise in the early evening, peak at around 2:00 am, and then return to a low level in the morning. Many things can influence the natural cycle of melatonin production, but typically its production is affected by the length of darkness at night [].

The circadian rhythm heavily influences your body’s desire to sleep but also regulates many other bodily functions such as reproduction, ovarian function, immunity, and protection against some cancers.

During pregnancy, melatonin is also produced by the developing placenta. Research has shown that blood melatonin levels increase as pregnancy progresses, with the highest levels in the third trimester and rapidly returning to normal following delivery. 

BenefitsPotential side effects
Influence reproductive hormone cycles and ovarian functionDrowsiness
Slow the growth of some cancersDaytime sleepiness
Improve immune functionHeadaches
Act as an antioxidant in preventing damage to cellsNausea
Nightmares
Upset stomach

Did you know that melatonin, the hormone naturally produced by humans, can do more than just regulate our circadian rhythms? [] Studies of non-pregnant people have shown that melatonin can:

  • Influence reproductive hormone cycles and ovarian function

  • Slow the growth of some cancers

  • Improve immune function

  • Act as an antioxidant in preventing damage to cells

Talk about a multitasking hormone! Researchers are currently exploring how taking melatonin supplements might provide protective benefits during pregnancy. More studies need to be done, but current research [] has suggested that: 

  • Melatonin crosses the placenta and may influence your baby’s brain development, circadian rhythm, and sleep cycles.

  • Melatonin may help sustain pregnancy by impacting the production of hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, and progesterone.

  • Melatonin might help lower blood pressure and may help to prevent preeclampsia

  • Melatonin might work as an antioxidant for your little one’s overall health.

  • Melatonin may play a role in determining the onset of labor and delivery.

Melatonin is considered a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. However, there are known side effects to taking melatonin supplements, especially with higher doses and extended-release pills. [] These side effects can include:

  • Drowsiness

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Headaches

  • Nausea

  • Nightmares

  • Upset stomach

People with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, organ transplant, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis should avoid using melatonin altogether because of its potential toxicity.

Melatonin does not have an FDA pregnancy category that identifies risks to your baby. As an alternative, the Infant Risk Center [], an international center that evaluates the risk to the baby from exposure to multiple drugs, notes that melatonin supplements cross the placenta and can be passed into human breast milk, and confirms there are not enough studies to say whether melatonin supplements are safe for your baby.

Pregnancy testing relies on the presence of a specific hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), in the blood and urine of a pregnant individual. These pregnancy tests are usually accurate to identify pregnancy as early as your first missed period.

While melatonin stimulates the secretion of some pregnancy hormones such as progesterone, there is no scientific evidence that melatonin influences the production of HCG, or that it causes a false positive pregnancy test.

While it may seem like a natural option to take melatonin, research studies and medical guidelines actually don’t support its use as a sleep aid even in cases outside of pregnancy. For example, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [] and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine [] do not recommend melatonin for chronic insomnia because there is no evidence for its effectiveness.

Instead of using melatonin as a sleep aid, you could explore with your obstetric provider why you are having such a hard time with sleep and treat those conditions. There could be other issues, like obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Insomnia has many causes and is more common in women than in men according to the National Institutes of Health []. It can be especially rough during pregnancy and postpartum due to the many hormonal and physical changes happening in your body.

This may be maddening to hear when you’re battling sleep deprivation on top of the many ways pregnancy limits your options for relief…but don't despair. There are some alternatives to melatonin during pregnancy to consider in order to get a good night’s sleep. In addition to the sleep tips listed below, safe and effective medical therapy for insomnia in pregnancy may also be considered with your obstetrician. 

Here's a quick glance of alternatives to melatonin during pregnancy to consider in order to get a good night’s sleep:

  • Medicated sleep aids

  • Sleep environment

  • Noises

  • White noise & blackout curtains

  • Mental & spiritual well-being

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Some over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids such as doxylamine, doxepin, and zolpidem. These medications have strong clinical evidence of being effective in helping you sleep while also being safe for your kiddo. Be sure to discuss all options with your obstetrician before you take any sleep aid or medications.

Take a look at your sleep environment. Noisy and bright surroundings can make it tough to fall asleep, especially if you have a different sleep schedule than the people you live with. 

If you share a household with others, consider working out a plan to get more rest and try to find a quiet, dark, and comfortable room without distractions like clinking dishes, loud TVs, or droning lawnmowers. We realize this can be especially difficult to achieve with additional little ones around, but any support you can lean on to carve out some uninterrupted quiet time to rest is useful. 

You can also block out the world and drown out the noise with blackout curtains and . As a bonus, you can consider your room all prepped for the baby and check two more things off the to-do list! 

Don't forget about your mental and spiritual well-being. Sometimes difficulty sleeping is linked to deeper issues like anxiety and depression. It’s normal to feel a little anxious about the big life changes ahead but if you're feeling down, be sure to talk to your obstetric provider and see if you need further evaluation and treatment. Prioritizing your mental health is especially important as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. 

This is a method of treating insomnia that targets underlying physical, environmental, emotional, and behavioral issues without the use of sleep medications or supplements. CBT-I during pregnancy has also been shown to improve symptoms of postpartum depression and reduce some cases of major depression.

If you are having trouble sleeping, consider these lifestyle changes and practices before taking a sleep aid:

  1. Develop a routine sleep schedule.

  2. Know using the safest positions.

  3. Have a cozy, comfortable sleep environment.

  4. Take time to unwind without screens before going to sleep. Save the binge-watch for another time and put down your phone. 

  5. Try to get moving regularly. You don’t need to go full cardio, but a walk around the block helps.

  6. Explore yoga and the helpful mind-body-spirit benefits that can be enjoyed with its body postures, meditation, relaxation, and breathing techniques.

  7. Don’t consume caffeine within 8 hours of going to sleep.

  8. Don’t drink alcohol or use nicotine products.

  • Melatonin is a natural hormone that provides many benefits to your body throughout your lifespan. There is evidence that your placenta also produces melatonin during pregnancy and naturally produced melatonin likely has beneficial effects to support your pregnancy and your baby’s health.

  • Taking melatonin supplements will increase the amount of melatonin circulating in your body, and it is unknown whether the additional melatonin may harm your pregnancy.

  • Make an appointment with your OB-GYN to discuss your sleep concerns. They can go over your symptoms and look for any possible medical problems that should be referred to a Sleep Specialist. 

  • Evaluate your home environment, diet, and other modifiable stressors to get into a better sleep hygiene practice.

  • Watch out for any symptoms of anxiety or depression and seek help from your obstetrician or mental health provider if you have any.

  • Do not drink alcohol – not only is it unhealthy for your baby, but alcohol also makes it more difficult to get good sleep.

  • If you are considering a sleep aid, be sure to chat with your obstetric provider before you take anything – they can help target any therapies that will be the most effective and safe for you and your little one.

Melatonin during pregnancy FAQ

Q: Does melatonin pass through breast milk?

A:

Whether naturally produced or taken as a supplement, melatonin will pass through breast milk – and artificial changes in melatonin concentrations in your breast milk could disturb your baby’s sleep patterns. There aren’t enough studies to say whether it's definitely safe to take melatonin supplements while breastfeeding, but taking small amounts for a short period of time likely won’t harm your baby.

Q: Can you take 5mg of melatonin when pregnant?

A:

Taking any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy will carry some risks, some more than others. At this time, researchers do not know whether taking melatonin as a dietary supplement is safe during pregnancy, so it may be best to avoid it.

Q: Can you take melatonin while pregnant first trimester?

A:

All of your baby’s organ systems are formed during the first trimester, and as a general rule, it's best to avoid taking any medications or dietary supplements in the first trimester unless they are medically indicated or necessary. As a natural hormone, melatonin does support your pregnancy, but it is unknown whether taking additional melatonin supplements may actually be harmful.

Q: Are melatonin gummies safe for pregnancy?

A:

Besides the unknown safety of melatonin in pregnancy, any type of gummy chews may get into the crevices of your teeth and increase your risk of cavities. We recommend that you avoid chewing gummies to prevent potential oral health issues.

Q: Is melatonin Epsom salt safe for pregnancy?

A:

Epsom salt is formulated for use in bathwater and is marketed towards relieving sore muscles. However, sitting in bathwater that is higher than your normal body temperature (97 - 98°F or 36°C) may cause problems with your pregnancy – especially during the first trimester. Since it is also not known whether the melatonin component may harm your pregnancy, it may be best to avoid using this product altogether.

Share article:

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.

9 Sources

+

  1. National Sleep Foundation, (2022).

    https://www.thensf.org/sleep-in-america-polls/
  2. Physiology, Sleep Patterns by Khalid H. Jawabri; Avais Raja. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551680/#article-25983.s5
  3. Brzezinski A. Melatonin in humans. N Engl J Med. 1997 Jan 16;336(3):186-95.

    https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199701163360306
  4. Tamura H, Nakamura Y, Terron MP, Flores LJ, Manchester LC, Tan DX, Sugino N, Reiter RJ. Melatonin and pregnancy in the human. Reprod Toxicol. 2008 Apr;25(3):291-303.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.03.005
  5. Savage RA, Zafar N, Yohannan S, et al. Melatonin. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534823/
  6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know
  7. Sateia, Michael, et. al. Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Feb 2017.

    https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6470
  8. National Institutes of Health, (2022).

    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia

Related Articles