Is melatonin safe during Pregnancy? Uses & Side Effects
Is melatonin safe during Pregnancy? Discover insights into melatonin use, potential risks, and expert guidance. Learn about its impact on maternal and fetal health
Sometimes it becomes difficult to get enough sleep during pregnancy. Some causes of insomnia are not very worrying, but some causes can be serious and may require you to seek medical help. Most sleep disorders occur when fluctuations in melatonin levels are seen in the body. Melatonin is a hormone found in the human body and it helps you get better sleep. People who have trouble falling asleep or need to stay asleep always have to take supplements.
In this article, you have been given all the information related to taking melatonin during pregnancy, like whether it is safe for you, and what are its benefits and side effects.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is mainly responsible for your sleep and is produced naturally by the body. However, people who suffer from insomnia are often recommended to take melatonin supplements to improve their sleep.
A woman’s body produces greater amounts of melatonin during pregnancy and delivery. Melatonin is also found in amniotic fluid and in the early stages of pregnancy, the baby needs a supply of melatonin from the mother.
Melatonin and oxytocin both promote the labor process. Since melatonin levels are higher at night, most women go into labor either early in the morning or late in the evening.
Is melatonin safe to use during pregnancy?
Melatonin is produced in sufficient quantities by the ovaries and placenta of a pregnant woman. The production of this hormone starts at 24 weeks and starts increasing after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Thus, a pregnant woman’s body is already producing adequate amounts of melatonin during pregnancy, so there is still debate over whether pregnant women should take melatonin during pregnancy or not.
There is no conclusive evidence that melatonin supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. Taking melatonin supplements in small amounts and for a short period of time is considered safe, but continuing it for a long time can prove to be a cause of trouble for you. You should take it only when your doctor recommends it.
What dose of melatonin can you take during pregnancy?
As mentioned above, low doses of melatonin should be taken for short periods of time during pregnancy. The recommended dosage of melatonin during pregnancy is between 1 mg to 3 mg. However, you should not take it on yourself. Keep in mind that do not take this medicine without a doctor’s prescription. If you have low blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or any other such disease, then taking melatonin during pregnancy may worsen this problem. As mentioned earlier, melatonin should be taken during pregnancy only if your doctor recommends taking it.
Benefits of taking melatonin during pregnancy
Melatonin has a good effect on the baby in the womb. Here are some of the benefits of melatonin for you and your baby
For Your Baby
- This protects your child from neurobehavioral disorders.
- It also protects your child from oxidative stress.
- It prevents intrauterine growth retardation.
- This proves beneficial for the development of your child.
For Mother
- It helps in better functioning of the placenta.
- It helps in getting better sleep.
- It reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia.
- It helps in increasing fertility.
- It reduces the risk of preterm labor.
What is the Side Effects of Melatonin During Pregnancy
While consuming melatonin in low quantities is considered safe and generally free of side effects, excessive intake can have adverse effects:
Nausea, fatigue, and abnormal heartbeat
Consuming melatonin in excess can cause side effects such as abnormal heartbeat, agitation, increased heart rate, mood swings, nausea, rashes, fatigue, memory loss, etc. Therefore, you should ask your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of the medicine.
Hormonal Disruptions
Melatonin can influence the production of other hormones in the body, which can have unintended effects during pregnancy.
Hormonal fluctuations are common during pregnancy and due to this many changes occur in your body. However, having too much melatonin in the body can also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy include acne, hot flashes, changes in vision, etc. Therefore, if a pregnant woman is taking melatonin, doctors observe her hormones. This is done so that the real reason for the changes in your body can be known whether it is due to melatonin or due to hormones.
Sugar level and Blood Pressure
Melatonin can affect your body’s sugar levels and blood pressure, both of which can cause serious problems during pregnancy. Therefore, if you are taking melatonin supplements, your doctor will keep checking your health to check blood pressure and sugar levels.
Natural ways to increase melatonin levels in your body
When it comes to health, adopting a natural approach is very important and it becomes even more important when you are pregnant. While melatonin supplements can certainly help you sleep, here are some natural ways to increase melatonin levels to help you sleep better.
Reduce your stress level
You can reduce your stress by keeping yourself happy and stress-free. To do this, listen to some good music or do some yoga to remove stress. Stress is harmful not only for you but also for your child.
Prepare to sleep early
Prepare yourself mentally and physically to go to bed. Take a warm bath, wear a nightdress, and try to go to bed at the same time every night. Avoid waking up late, this can spoil your sleep routine.
Turn off the alarm
Instead of waking up to the loud sound of the alarm, try to wake up to a light and relaxing tune. Since it is already difficult to sleep during pregnancy, waking up due to a loud alarm sound can further increase your problems.
Take a lukewarm bath before going to bed
Taking a warm bath before sleeping helps you sleep better. It helps to release stress from your body and relax you. Take a bath listening to some light and soft music, it will make you feel better.
Sleep in a comfortable temperature
Your sleep may get disturbed due to very high temperature. Therefore, it is important to keep the temperature of your room comfortable to get a good sleep.
Don’t use gadgets before sleeping
Every night before going to bed, completely relax your mind. You should not use your phone, television, or computer one hour before bedtime. This will calm your mind and you will be able to sleep better.
Avoid heavy meals
Heavy meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates, can make you feel uncomfortable and restless. You should eat at least two to three hours before sleeping. Also, do not consume caffeinated drinks as it can disturb your sleep.
Eat right
Some foods produce melatonin in the body and healthy food is a good option for pregnant women. You should include nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
body massage
Body massage is a great way to relax your body. But keep in mind that you should get the massage done by an expert only.
Melatonin is used to relieve sleep problems and it is safe for you to take low doses of melatonin during pregnancy. However, you should take melatonin only after consulting your doctor.
