risks/benefits of melatonin for sleep in pregnancy?
Penny cited the following
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.
1ArticleMelatonin 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 ...→
PubMed
2ArticleFrontiers | 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 ...→Frontiers
3ArticleGiving 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).→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.
4ArticlePregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSThere's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.→
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.5ArticleThe 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.→
PubMed Central
6ArticleYou 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 ...→MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Women's Mental Health Across the Life Cycle
7ArticleClinical 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.
6ArticleYou 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 ...→7ArticleClinical 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.
1ArticleMelatonin 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 ...→2ArticleFrontiers | 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 ...→
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.
1ArticleMelatonin 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 ...→2ArticleFrontiers | 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 ...→
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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.
5ArticleThe 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.→7ArticleClinical 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.
3ArticleGiving 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).→5ArticleThe 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.
6ArticleYou 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 ...→7ArticleClinical 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.
3ArticleGiving 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).→4ArticlePregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSThere's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.→
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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.
3ArticleGiving 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).→7ArticleClinical 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.
7ArticleClinical 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.
2ArticleFrontiers | 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 ...→3ArticleGiving 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).→
- 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.
1
Article
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 ...
2
Article
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 ...
3
Article
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).
4
Article
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHS
There's no evidence to suggest that taking melatonin reduces fertility in either men or women.
5
Article
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.
6
Article
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
Article
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)....
8
Article
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.