Miya Pearson
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with many women experiencing insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. While you may be tempted to reach for sleeping pills or aids, it is important to note that the safety of many sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses has not been verified due to a lack of studies including pregnant women. However, certain over-the-counter sleep aids, such as Unisom, Benadryl, and Tylenol PM, are generally considered safe during pregnancy. On the other hand, prescription medications like Valium, Ambien, and Lunesta are typically cautioned against during pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive and experiencing sleep difficulties, it is recommended to first try natural alternatives, sleep hygiene practices, and pregnancy-specific adjustments before resorting to medication. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to discuss your specific circumstances and determine the safest options for you and your baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pills safe to take while trying to conceive | Unisom, melatonin, antihistamines, and doxylamine are considered safe. Zolpidem is generally avoided but can be taken while breastfeeding. Benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are not recommended. |
| Sleep without medication | Pregnancy pillow, sleeping on the left side, limiting caffeine, reducing liquid intake in the evening, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, light yoga, and stretching. |
| Sleep disorders | Restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression. |
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What You'll Learn
- Melatonin supplements: safe under medical supervision, but limited research
- Doxylamine: considered safe during pregnancy
- Zolpidem: passes into breast milk, but safe if baby is healthy
- Benzodiazepines: associated with an increased risk of miscarriage
- Non-pharmacological methods: e.g. sleeping positions, caffeine reduction, herbal remedies
Melatonin supplements: safe under medical supervision, but limited research
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy. However, sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, with many women experiencing insomnia. Melatonin is a natural supplement that many pregnant people use to help them sleep. It is a naturally occurring hormone that helps to induce and regulate sleep.
The safety of melatonin for pregnant people and their fetuses is not yet conclusive, as definitive research on its use during pregnancy is lacking. Some healthcare providers recommend against it because it crosses the placenta, and there isn't extensive research on its use in pregnancy. However, others recommend it for pregnant women who find it challenging to fall asleep.
One review of 15 studies concluded that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is likely safe, but that studies on effectiveness and safety are still lacking. The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health also states that the safety and effectiveness of melatonin are not conclusive.
If you are considering taking melatonin supplements during pregnancy, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on how much to take and for how long. It is important to note that not all melatonin products are the same, and it is recommended to choose a reputable brand with third-party testing and a USP Verified Mark.
While melatonin may be an option for some pregnant people, it is generally recommended to address sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Non-pharmacological measures such as sleep hygiene practices and pregnancy-specific adjustments to sleep habits can help alleviate pregnancy insomnia without the use of sleep aids. These include sleeping on your left side, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and keeping the bedroom dark and quiet.
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Doxylamine: considered safe during pregnancy
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are some over-the-counter medications and home remedies that can help. Doxylamine, an antihistamine and the active ingredient in Unisom, is considered safe during pregnancy. In fact, according to Layan Alrahmani, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, doxylamine is probably the safest option when it comes to sleep medications during pregnancy.
Unisom is an over-the-counter sleep aid that is considered safe to use occasionally during pregnancy. Doxylamine is also available as a generic medication. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any medication, even if it is available over the counter.
If you are experiencing sleep difficulties during pregnancy, it is recommended to first try non-pharmacological methods to improve sleep without medication. This can include making pregnancy-specific adjustments to your sleep habits, such as sleeping on your left side to enhance blood flow and prevent the uterus from placing too much weight on the liver. Using a pressure-relieving mattress topper and placing pillows under the lower back, between the legs, or under the midsection may also help. Keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, limiting caffeine intake during the day, and avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime are other non-pharmacological methods that can help improve sleep.
If non-pharmacological methods do not help, certain sleep aids may be an option. Melatonin supplements are commonly used during pregnancy, but the safety and effectiveness of melatonin are not conclusive due to a lack of definitive research. While some doctors say that melatonin is safe for some pregnant people, many healthcare providers recommend against it because it crosses the placenta. If you choose to try melatonin, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on dosage and duration. It is important to choose a melatonin product with a USP Verified Mark to ensure the formula meets the requirements of the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention.
Other sleep aids that should be avoided during pregnancy include benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, and both benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines have been linked to withdrawal or toxicity symptoms in newborns, such as sleepiness, abnormal muscle tone, and respiratory problems. Zolpidem, a nonbenzodiazepine, has been associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, small-for-gestational age infants, preterm delivery, and C-sections. While antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sedative-hypnotic agents like Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zalepion) are commonly prescribed to women with sleep disturbances, data regarding their reproductive safety is limited, and they are generally avoided during pregnancy.
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Zolpidem: passes into breast milk, but safe if baby is healthy
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are some over-the-counter medicines and home remedies that can help. These include antihistamines, herbal remedies (ginseng, honey, nutmeg), melatonin, and prescription medications. Antihistamines are considered safe during pregnancy, with doxylamine being the safest option. Doxylamine is the active ingredient in Unisom, which is also considered safe during pregnancy.
However, the safety of many sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified, as studies assessing medication safety rarely include pregnant people. Benzodiazepines, for example, have not been proven safe for pregnant women and are best avoided. Zolpidem (Ambien) is another sedative-hypnotic agent commonly prescribed to women with sleep disturbances, but data regarding its reproductive safety is limited, and it is generally avoided during pregnancy. One study of 2,497 pregnant women who used zolpidem showed an increase in low birth weight, small-for-gestational age infants, preterm delivery, and C-sections compared to those who did not use the drug.
If you are breastfeeding, it is generally advised to try practical steps to improve sleep before taking any medication. Zolpidem passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and while it is considered safe if your baby is healthy, it is recommended to take only occasional doses for a short time. The side effects of zolpidem may make you feel too tired to breastfeed and care for your baby, and there is a small risk that it might make your baby sleepy, too. Do not bed-share with your baby if you are taking zolpidem, and consult a health professional if you notice any unusual sleepiness or feeding issues.
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Benzodiazepines: associated with an increased risk of miscarriage
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but some sleep aids may be safe. Doxylamine, the active ingredient in Unisom, is considered safe during pregnancy by some doctors. Melatonin is another option, but its safety and effectiveness are not conclusively known. While melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps induce sleep, there is a lack of definitive research on its use during pregnancy. If you choose to take melatonin, consult a healthcare provider for guidance on dosage and duration.
Benzodiazepines, a class of sedative drugs, have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in a nationwide study of over 3 million pregnancies. They have not been proven safe for pregnant women, and there are reports of withdrawal and toxicity symptoms in newborns whose mothers took them during pregnancy. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid benzodiazepines during pregnancy.
Nonbenzodiazepines, such as zolpidem (Ambien), are also associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and other complications. While one study of 2,497 pregnant women found these risks, another study of over 39,000 birth defect cases did not find a large increase in risk with zolpidem use. However, researchers caution that smaller increases in risk for certain defects cannot be ruled out.
Overall, it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids during pregnancy, as they can advise on the safest options for you and your baby.
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Non-pharmacological methods: e.g. sleeping positions, caffeine reduction, herbal remedies
While trying to conceive, it is recommended that you address sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Here are some non-pharmacological methods that may help you sleep better:
Sleeping positions
Try different sleeping positions and consider using a pregnancy pillow to get comfortable. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can help improve your sleep quality.
Caffeine reduction
Reduce your caffeine intake, especially close to bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, so limiting your consumption, especially in the evening, may help improve your sleep.
Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies that are considered safe while trying to conceive include:
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb is known for its stress-reducing, sleep-improving, and immune-boosting properties. However, it is important to note that the effects of ashwagandha on pregnant people have not been extensively studied, so caution is advised.
- Raspberry leaf: Found in tea form, raspberry leaf is considered safe while trying to conceive but should be used with caution.
It is important to note that some herbs, such as St. John's Wort, goldenseal, and buttercup, should be avoided while trying to conceive as they may have negative effects on fertility and pregnancy.
Additionally, while antihistamines and melatonin supplements are commonly used as sleep aids, there is limited research on their effects during pregnancy, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any sleeping pills while trying to conceive. They may suggest trying practical steps to help you sleep first, such as improving your sleep hygiene, trying different sleeping positions, or using a pregnancy pillow.
Yes, certain over-the-counter sleep aids, such as Unisom, Benadryl, and Tylenol PM, are generally considered safe for pregnant people. Unisom's active ingredient is doxylamine, an antihistamine that is considered safe during pregnancy. Melatonin supplements have also been shown to be safe during pregnancy, although more research is needed.
Yes, it is recommended that you avoid prescription medications such as Valium, Ambien, Lunesta, and Zolpidem during pregnancy. Benzodiazepines and Nonbenzodiazepines should also be avoided due to their potential adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby.
