Herbie Murray
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with up to 77% of pregnant individuals experiencing issues, especially in the third trimester. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, concerns about the safety of these medications during pregnancy persist due to limited research. Pregnant individuals are generally advised to avoid prescription sleep medications, especially in late pregnancy, as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. However, some over-the-counter medications, such as Unisom (doxylamine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy. Natural remedies, lifestyle measures, and addressing underlying pregnancy discomforts can also aid sleep without pharmaceuticals.
Can a pregnant woman use sleeping pills?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | The safety of sleep aids for pregnant women and their fetuses is unverified due to limited research. |
| Recommendations | Healthcare providers may recommend against sleep aids during pregnancy. However, some may suggest certain medications or natural remedies if sleep deprivation becomes a concern. |
| Prescription sleep medication | Generally advised against, especially during late pregnancy, due to potential risks to infants. |
| Over-the-counter medication | Some over-the-counter sleep aids, such as antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl, Unisom), are considered safe during pregnancy but may have side effects and be habit-forming. |
| Natural remedies | Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake, limiting screen time, and using pregnancy pillows, are recommended to improve sleep without medication. |
| Melatonin | Opinions vary; some healthcare providers advise against it due to placental transfer, while others recommend it. Studies suggest it may be safe, but more research is needed. |
| Trazodone | Opinions vary; some doctors advise against it, while others allow its use during pregnancy. |
| Benzodiazepines | Not proven safe for pregnant women and associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and newborn health issues. |
| Non-benzodiazepines | Studies suggest an increased risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and other complications. |
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What You'll Learn
- Melatonin supplements and antihistamines are common over-the-counter sleep aids
- Prescription sleep medication is generally advised against during pregnancy
- Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are best avoided due to potential risks
- Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are considered safe during pregnancy
- Lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help improve sleep without medication
Melatonin supplements and antihistamines are common over-the-counter sleep aids
Sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, with 77% of pregnant individuals affected. This is due to the many physical changes and discomforts that come with pregnancy, such as frequent urination, nausea, backaches, heartburn, and restless leg syndrome. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences, increasing the risk of complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, longer labour, and cesarean section birth.
Antihistamines like doxylamine (Unisom, Decapryn, Aldex, Advil PM, Aleve PM, Excedrin PM, and Sominex) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Advil PM, Aleve PM, Excedrin PM, and Sominex) are considered safe during pregnancy and are recommended by healthcare professionals. These medications can be taken occasionally or for extended periods within the recommended doses.
It is always advisable for pregnant women to consult their doctors before taking any sleep aids, as the safety of many medications during pregnancy is still uncertain. While prescription sleep medications are generally advised against, doctors may recommend them for severe sleep disorders or other medical conditions affecting sleep.
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Prescription sleep medication is generally advised against during pregnancy
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are other medicines and home remedies that can help. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have its own negative consequences, so some pregnant people and their doctors may determine that the benefits of certain sleep aids outweigh the risks.
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid medications, including sleep medicines, during pregnancy. Most drugs are not tested on pregnant women, and the effects on the unborn baby are unknown. However, sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, with 77% of pregnant individuals affected, and peaking in the third trimester. This can be due to frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, backaches, and bodily discomforts.
There are natural options and lifestyle measures that can be taken to aid sleep without the need for pharmaceuticals. These include limiting caffeine during the day and avoiding it in the afternoon and evening, reducing liquids in the evening, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and snacking before bedtime to reduce morning sickness. Keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, maintaining a regular bedtime routine, and addressing underlying issues such as anxiety or depression can also help.
If non-pharmacological measures fail to alleviate sleep problems, certain sleep aids may be an option. Melatonin supplements, antihistamines, and herbal remedies such as ginseng, honey, and nutmeg are some of the most common sleep aids used during pregnancy. Pregnant people can safely take doxylamine, such as Unisom, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, both of which showed no increased risk of congenital abnormalities. However, the safety of many sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified, and pregnant individuals should always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
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Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are best avoided due to potential risks
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with up to 77% of pregnant individuals affected, particularly in the third trimester. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, the safety of many sleep medications for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified due to limited research.
Instead, healthcare providers recommend addressing sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Pregnant women can try limiting caffeine intake, reducing liquid consumption in the evening, and avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime. Establishing a regular bedtime routine, destressing, and making the environment more relaxing can also help improve sleep.
If non-pharmacological measures fail to alleviate sleep problems, certain over-the-counter sleep aids may be an option. Doxylamine, found in Unisom, and diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, are considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy. Melatonin supplements are also commonly used, but there is limited research on their safety during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
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Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are considered safe during pregnancy
Sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, with over 90% of pregnant people reporting occasional sleep difficulties. While some healthcare providers opt not to recommend any sleep aids during pregnancy, others believe that the benefits of certain sleep aids outweigh the risks.
Unisom is one such sleep aid that is commonly used during pregnancy. Unisom is an antihistamine medication that contains either doxylamine or diphenhydramine as its active ingredient. Doxylamine is also available in combination with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) under the brand name Diclegis, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of morning sickness.
Diphenhydramine is a medication used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, motion sickness, insomnia, itchy skin, and tremors related to Parkinson's disease. It is available in many prescription and over-the-counter products, including Benadryl, Unisom SleepGels, and Unisom SleepMelts. While diphenhydramine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, a few studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when used during the first trimester. However, these studies are not consistent, and several other studies have reported no increased chance of birth defects with early pregnancy exposure. It is important to note that occasional use of diphenhydramine at recommended doses is not expected to increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems.
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Lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help improve sleep without medication
Sleep is critical for optimal health, especially during pregnancy. However, sleep medications are usually not recommended during pregnancy, and natural remedies are often preferred. Here are some lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can help improve sleep during pregnancy without medication:
Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Engaging in moderate exercise, such as yoga, for as long as you feel comfortable can help improve your sleep. A study found that 35-90 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week during pregnancy is associated with a higher chance of vaginal birth and a lower chance of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Sleep Position: From 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards, it is recommended to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your left side enhances blood flow and prevents the uterus from placing too much weight on the liver. It can also help with digestion. To make this position more comfortable, try using a pillow or rolled blanket between your legs and another behind your back.
- Caffeine and Meal Consumption: Reducing caffeine intake, especially later in the day, can promote better sleep. Additionally, eating little and often, instead of heavy meals, is recommended during pregnancy.
- Bedtime Routine: Establishing a regular bedtime routine, including similar sleep and wake times, can help signal to your body that it is time to sleep.
- Avoiding Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can contribute to indigestion, which is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Avoiding spicy foods, especially near bedtime, may help reduce discomfort and improve sleep.
- Managing Stress and Anxiety: Relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as attending antenatal classes, can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Natural Remedies
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy and has been found to improve sleep quality. It may increase melatonin levels, benefiting both the mother and the baby.
- Aromatherapy: While controversial due to a lack of medical studies, aromatherapy with essential oils may be beneficial for sleep. However, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before using any essential oils during pregnancy.
- Herbal Tea: Drinking herbal tea, such as oatstraw, about an hour before bed can help you wind down and prepare for sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep aids and pills can provide much-needed relief for pregnant women, but it's important to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are other medicines and home remedies that can help.
There are many natural sleep aids and lifestyle measures that can help pregnant women sleep better. These include limiting caffeine intake, reducing screen time, taking warm baths, listening to relaxing music, and using pregnancy pillows.
Yes, some over-the-counter medications are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy. These include Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine). However, it's important to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Prescription sleep medications are generally advised against during late pregnancy due to potential risks to the infant. However, in cases of severe sleep disorders or medical conditions affecting sleep, a doctor may recommend prescription sleep aids after evaluating the benefits and risks.
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