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Risks/benefits of melatonin for sleep in pregnancy?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
5 peer-reviewed research articles
1 professionally-backed source
2 articles from healthcare institutions
Melatonin for Sleep in Pregnancy: What’s Known and What’s Uncertain
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Many people consider melatonin supplements for sleep problems, which are common during pregnancy. However, the evidence on its safety and effectiveness in pregnancy is limited and sometimes conflicting.
What the Research Says About Safety
Human Studies and Safety
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Clinical studies so far suggest that melatonin use during pregnancy does not appear to cause major safety concerns or adverse events in humans, though most of this data comes from small studies or studies where sleep was not the primary focus.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMedContrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on ...Read full articleSource: PubMedFrontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on TimeHere, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...Read full articleSource: FrontiersGiving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).Read full articleSource: cochrane.org
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Melatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy by some health authorities (such as the NHS in the UK) because there is not enough data on its effects on babies.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSThere's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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The placenta naturally produces melatonin, and levels rise during pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester.
This suggests melatonin plays a natural role in pregnancy, but supplementing with higher-than-normal doses may have unknown effects.The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMCA high-risk pregnancy may involve chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy, or other issues that might arise during pregnancy. [24]. The mechanisms involved in pregnancy complications have been studied, demonstrating the role of melatonin in these processes [23,24,26,27]. Particularly, the review by Last G.You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
Animal Studies and Caution
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Animal studies have shown some benefits (like reduced risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth), but animal data does not always translate to humans.
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
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There is a lack of large, well-controlled human trials specifically looking at melatonin for sleep in pregnancy.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMedContrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on ...Read full articleSource: PubMedFrontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on TimeHere, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...Read full articleSource: Frontiers
Potential Benefits
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Melatonin may help with sleep onset and quality, as it does outside of pregnancy, but there is little direct evidence for its effectiveness for insomnia in pregnancy.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMedContrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on ...Read full articleSource: PubMedFrontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on TimeHere, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...Read full articleSource: Frontiers
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Some research suggests melatonin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial in pregnancy complications, but these findings are preliminary and not focused on sleep.
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMCA high-risk pregnancy may involve chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy, or other issues that might arise during pregnancy. [24]. The mechanisms involved in pregnancy complications have been studied, demonstrating the role of melatonin in these processes [23,24,26,27]. Particularly, the review by Last G.Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
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Melatonin is being studied for possible protective effects on the placenta and fetal brain, but these uses are experimental.
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).Read full articleSource: cochrane.orgThe Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMCA high-risk pregnancy may involve chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy, or other issues that might arise during pregnancy. [24]. The mechanisms involved in pregnancy complications have been studied, demonstrating the role of melatonin in these processes [23,24,26,27]. Particularly, the review by Last G.
Risks and Unknowns
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The typical supplement dose (1–3 mg) is much higher than what the body naturally produces, and the effects of these higher levels on fetal development are not well understood.
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
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There is not enough research to say melatonin is completely safe, especially in the first trimester or with long-term use.
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).Read full articleSource: cochrane.orgPregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSThere's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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Some sources recommend using medications with a better-known safety profile for sleep in pregnancy, or trying non-medication approaches first.
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).Read full articleSource: cochrane.orgClinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
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Melatonin supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications, so the actual dose and purity can vary between products.
Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthInterestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
Alternatives and Practical Considerations
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Non-medication strategies like good sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and relaxation techniques are often recommended as first-line approaches for sleep problems in pregnancy.
Frontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on TimeHere, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...Read full articleSource: FrontiersGiving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).Read full articleSource: cochrane.org
- If sleep issues are severe, it might be beneficial to discuss options with your OB/GYN, who can help weigh the risks and benefits of different treatments.
What This Means for You
- Melatonin is likely not harmful based on current human studies, but there is not enough evidence to say it is fully safe or effective for sleep in pregnancy.
- Most guidelines recommend caution and suggest trying other approaches first.
- If you are considering melatonin, it might be beneficial to discuss it with your OB/GYN, who can provide guidance based on your specific situation and help you explore all your options.
Making an Informed Choice About Melatonin in Pregnancy
While melatonin is a natural hormone and may seem like a gentle option for sleep, there are still unanswered questions about its safety and effectiveness when used as a supplement during pregnancy. Exploring non-medication strategies and consulting with your OB/GYN can help you find the safest and most effective approach for your sleep needs during this time.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMed
Contrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMC
A high-risk pregnancy may involve chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy, or other issues that might arise during pregnancy. [24]. The mechanisms involved in pregnancy complications have been studied, demonstrating the role of melatonin in these processes [23,24,26,27]. Particularly, the review by Last G.
Frontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time
Here, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...
Read full article
Source:
Frontiers
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...
It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).
Read full article
Source:
cochrane.org
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHS
There's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Interestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...
Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Interestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PMC
The prevalence of sleep disorders during the perinatal period is high and large health administrative database surveys have shown that the use of exogenous melatonin in pregnant populations is quite common, about 4%. Much of the concern about using melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding stems from animal research.
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Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMed
Contrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
2
Frontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time
Here, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as ...
Read full article
Source:
Frontiers
3
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain ...
It is important to assess whether melatonin, given to the mother, can reduce the risk of neurosensory disabilities (including cerebral palsy) and death, associated with fetal brain injury, for the preterm or term compromised fetus. To assess the effects of melatonin when used for neuroprotection of the fetus. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016).
Read full article
Source:
cochrane.org
5
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMC
A high-risk pregnancy may involve chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy, or other issues that might arise during pregnancy. [24]. The mechanisms involved in pregnancy complications have been studied, demonstrating the role of melatonin in these processes [23,24,26,27]. Particularly, the review by Last G.
8
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PMC
The prevalence of sleep disorders during the perinatal period is high and large health administrative database surveys have shown that the use of exogenous melatonin in pregnant populations is quite common, about 4%. Much of the concern about using melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding stems from animal research.
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn
Wai M.G.C. et al., 2017 explained in an animal and human study that immunity and clock gene control is important during pregnancy, because through the modulation in T-cell responses, melatonin exerts potential beneficial effects in suppressing various diseases with inflammatory origins, including preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia (Figure 2). Furthermore, in the third trimester of pregnancy, melatonin crosses the placenta and blood–brain barrier from the maternal circulation to the fetus and melatonin receptors are widespread in the fetus in both central and peripheral tis
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Insufficiency of melatonin in follicular fluid is a reversible cause for advanced maternal age-related aneuploidy in oocytes - PubMed
Together our findings provide evidence that supplementation of melatonin is a feasible way to protect oocytes from advanced maternal age-related meiotic defects and aneuploidy, demonstrating the potential for improving the quality of oocytes ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Melatonin administration during the first half of pregnancy improves the reproductive performance of rabbits: Emphasis on ovarian and placental functions - ScienceDirect
These findings support the idea that the status of maternal melatonin is a modulator of embryo survivability and contributes to pregnancy maintenance in lactating dairy cows [5]. In this study, ovarian and placental functions, hormone profile, and pregnancy outcomes due to melatonin administration during different sensitive windows of pregnancy in rabbits were investigated.
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Melatonin - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI Bookshelf
Katzer D, et al. 2016. Melatonin concentrations and antioxidative capacity of human breast milk according to gestational age and the time of day. J Hum Lact, 32:NP105–NP110.
Read full article
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Role of melatonin in embryo fetal development - PMC
The role of melatonin in pregnancy and embryo fetal development has hardly been discussed, but there is clear evidence of a strong connection between fetal normal development and melatonin. First, the embryo and fetus are dependent on maternal melatonin, as the pineal gland becomes mature after birth.
Melatonin supplementation attenuates cuproptosis and ferroptosis in aging cumulus and granulosa cells: potential for improving IVF outcomes in advanced maternal age | Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Full Text
Melatonin supplementation significantly improved IVF outcomes in women of advanced maternal age, particularly those ≥ 38 years old, likely by modulating cuproptosis and ferroptosis and enhancing mitochondrial function in cumulus and granulosa ...
Read full article
Source:
BioMed Central
Melatonin ameliorates the advanced maternal age-associated meiotic defects in oocytes through the SIRT2-dependent H4K16 deacetylation pathway - PubMed
It has been widely reported that advanced maternal age impairs oocyte quality. To date, various molecules have been discovered to be involved in this process. However, prevention of fertility issues associated with maternal age is still a challenge.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Melatonin Use during Pregnancy and Lactation Complicated by Oxidative Stress: Focus on Offspring’s Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Health in Animal Models
Despite these data, there remains ... of melatonin for both women and their fetuses, with no adverse events or reactions observed in mothers, fetuses, or neonates [160]. To the best of our knowledge, no trial results focusing ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Maternal melatonin levels and temporal dietary intake: results from MY-CARE cohort study | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Full Text
Furthermore, the current findings ... about the variation in maternal melatonin levels across gestation. Results from the present study showed that both the melatonin level and output across the day were largely maintained as pregnancy advanced....
Read full article
Source:
BioMed Central
Melatonin and stable circadian rhythms optimize maternal, placental ...
Research within the last decade has shown melatonin to have previously-unsuspected beneficial actions on the peripheral reproductive organs. Likewise, numerous investigations have documented that stable circadian rhythms are also helpful in maintaining reproductive health. The relationship of melatonin and circadian rhythmicity to maternal and fetal health is summarized in this review.
Read full article
Source:
Oxford Academic
Insufficiency of melatonin in follicular fluid is a reversible cause for advanced maternal age-related aneuploidy in oocytes - ScienceDirect
Together our findings provide evidence that supplementation of melatonin is a feasible way to protect oocytes from advanced maternal age-related meiotic defects and aneuploidy, demonstrating the potential for improving the quality of oocytes ...
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
4
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHS
There's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
6
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Interestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...
7
Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Interestingly, the placenta produces ... animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)....
Can You Take Melatonin During Pregnancy?
Melatonin, often used for sleep issues, is likely safe during pregnancy, though 4% of pregnant women use it cautiously. Essential oils and cognitive behavioral therapy are alternatives. Ginkgo biloba should be avoided near labor.
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.