Miya Pearson
Sleep is a common issue for pregnant women, with insomnia affecting one in four women in the first trimester and over two-thirds by the end of the third trimester. While there are over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids available, there is limited research on the safety of taking these while pregnant, and they may have adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby. It is therefore recommended to first try natural sleep aids and lifestyle changes, such as improving your sleep hygiene, before resorting to medication. If sleep deprivation is affecting your everyday activities or causing mental distress, consult your healthcare provider about which sleeping pills are safe during pregnancy and which ones to avoid.
Can you take a sleeping tablet while pregnant?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | There is a lack of research on the safety of sleeping pills during pregnancy, and they should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. |
| Recommendations | It is recommended to try natural sleep aids and lifestyle modifications first, such as improving "sleep hygiene" through practices like drinking tea, taking warm showers, meditating, or reading before bed. |
| Alternatives | Antihistamines and certain antidepressants may be safer alternatives to traditional sleeping pills during pregnancy, but more research is needed. Melatonin supplements may also be safe under medical supervision, as they occur naturally during pregnancy. |
| Risks | Sleeping pills may have side effects and can be addictive. Certain pills, like benzodiazepines, are associated with adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby, including birth defects, neonatal withdrawal, preterm labor, and low birth weight. |
| Prescription | Prescription sleep medications should be avoided during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. |
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What You'll Learn
Antidepressants and antihistamines
Antidepressants are common during pregnancy, with nearly 5% of women reporting their usage during pregnancy. However, there are questions about their safety. While research suggests that most antidepressants, especially Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and older medications, are generally considered safe, there are some associated risks. For instance, Paroxetine, an SSRI, may slightly increase the risk of heart defects in babies, while Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) may increase the risk of birth defects affecting a baby's head and neck. Additionally, research indicates that using antidepressants during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
It is important to note that untreated depression during pregnancy can also have harmful effects on both the mother and the baby. It can lead to an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight, and inadequate prenatal care. It may also increase the likelihood of substance use, such as recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, which can harm the developing fetus. Therefore, the decision to continue or discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy should be made in collaboration with a healthcare professional, carefully considering the risks and benefits for each individual case.
Antihistamines, on the other hand, are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. They can even be used as a potential alternative to benzodiazepines for fast-acting anxiety relief. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication during pregnancy, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on an individual's medical history and specific circumstances.
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Natural sleep aids
Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are common, with many pregnant people experiencing insomnia. While there are over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids available, their safety for pregnant people and fetuses is not always verified. Some sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines, are known to be associated with adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Due to the limited research on the safety of sleep aids during pregnancy, experts generally recommend addressing sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Here are some natural sleep aids that may help:
- Aromatherapy: This involves inhaling essential oils or applying them to the skin for health and wellness purposes. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy, as medical studies on their safety during this time have not been conducted.
- Herbal tea: Drinking herbal tea can help you relax and wind down before bed. Oatstraw tea, in particular, is recommended by naturopathic physicians.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i): This therapy aims to improve sleep by changing mental and behavioral habits without the need for medication.
- Sleep hygiene: This involves making adjustments to your sleep habits and incorporating relaxing activities before bed, such as drinking a cup of tea, taking a warm shower, meditating, or trying some light reading.
- Dietary changes: Reducing caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, can help decrease midnight bathroom breaks. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods can also prevent heartburn and indigestion, which can disrupt sleep.
It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids or making significant dietary changes during pregnancy to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
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Prescription sleep medications
Sleep difficulties are common during pregnancy, affecting around 25% of women in the first trimester, 27% in the second, and over 40% in the third. While prescription sleep medications are an option for pregnant women, there are limited data and research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones, and a healthcare provider's prescription is required to obtain them. Providers generally do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term due to the risk of dependence and addiction. They are typically only prescribed for short-term relief.
Benzodiazepines, a class of prescription drugs known to relieve anxiety and induce sleep, are not recommended for pregnant women as they have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal. Additionally, barbiturates should be avoided during pregnancy as they may increase the risk of birth defects, brain tumours, and bleeding problems.
While there is limited research on the effects of exogenous melatonin administration during pregnancy, it may have potential fetal protective effects. However, some healthcare providers recommend against it because it crosses the placenta, and there is a lack of extensive research on its use in pregnancy.
Antidepressants are another option for treating sleep problems during pregnancy. While the majority of evidence suggests that antidepressants do not cause birth defects, most experts advise against using them to treat sleep problems during pregnancy due to the lack of research on their potential risks.
In summary, while prescription sleep medications can be an option for pregnant women experiencing sleep difficulties, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as improving "sleep hygiene" and relaxation techniques, are often recommended as the safest approach during pregnancy.
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Insomnia and sleep disorders
Sleep is extremely important during pregnancy, and pregnant women should try to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, insomnia is a frequent sleep disturbance experienced by pregnant women, with rates as high as 80%. Insomnia during pregnancy can be primary or due to co-morbid conditions. Common causes of insomnia during pregnancy include hormonal changes, physical discomfort, frequent bathroom trips, and stress. Conditions that may worsen during pregnancy include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and leg cramps.
Pregnancy insomnia may contribute to depression and anxiety in late pregnancy and after birth. Sleep disturbances in the third trimester are associated with increased perception of labor pain, longer labor, increased rates of C-sections, and increased operative births. Insomnia can also negatively impact partner relationships and interfere with mother-infant bonding. Therefore, it is important to address sleep disturbances promptly to lower the risk of complications.
The best treatments for insomnia during pregnancy are lifestyle changes that can help regain control over one's sleep routine. Light exercise early in the day can keep pregnant women healthy and help them fall asleep at night. Short naps (no more than 30 minutes) can help make up for sleep deprivation. Other recommendations include drinking tea, taking a warm shower, meditating, and trying some light reading before bed.
While sleep aids, therapy, and lifestyle changes are common strategies for coping with pregnancy insomnia, there is little research on how to treat it effectively. Experts usually recommend non-medicinal therapies to minimize risks to the fetus. There are some sleep aids that experts advise against taking during pregnancy due to their potential adverse effects on the pregnancy and baby. These include benzodiazepines, which come with risks of birth defects, neonatal withdrawal, preterm labor, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight infants. Zolpidem, also known as Ambien, may be associated with withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. Due to the lack of research on the safety of sleep aids during pregnancy, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep medications or supplements.
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Safe sleep positions
While sleeping pills can help with sleep disorders like insomnia, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant. Sleeping pills can have side effects and may be addictive, and there is limited research on the safety of taking them during pregnancy. Antihistamines, which are present in most over-the-counter sleeping pills, are used by 10 to 15 percent of pregnant people to treat nausea and vomiting, and appear to be safe and effective for these purposes. However, the effects of taking antihistamines as sleep aids during pregnancy require further research. Natural sleep aids should also be avoided due to a lack of safety data and known side effects.
Now, let's discuss safe sleep positions during pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, finding a comfortable sleep position can become challenging due to your growing bump. Here are some tips to help you sleep more comfortably:
- Sleeping on your side, especially the left side, is generally recommended as it provides the best circulation for you and your baby. It reduces pressure on your veins and internal organs, increases blood flow to the placenta, and helps prevent potential swelling, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids.
- Use pillows for support. Place a pillow between your legs to relieve back stress, and consider putting a pillow under your abdomen as well. If you experience heartburn, try propping up your upper body with pillows.
- If you have back pain, sleeping on your back might seem appealing, but it can cause issues with breathing, digestion, hemorrhoids, and low blood pressure. It can also decrease circulation to your heart and your baby.
- Sleeping on your stomach will become uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses due to your growing abdomen and tender breasts. Using a donut-shaped pillow with a hole in the middle may help you sleep comfortably on your stomach for a while.
- If you find yourself tossing and turning, it's okay to rotate positions. You may not stay in one position all night, and that's fine.
- To improve your overall sleep quality, limit caffeine intake after 3 pm, stay hydrated during the day, and engage in relaxing activities like taking warm baths or massages.
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Frequently asked questions
It is advised to avoid taking sleeping tablets while pregnant unless absolutely necessary. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements.
There is limited research on the effects of sleeping pills on pregnant women and their babies. However, some studies suggest that certain medications may increase the risk of preterm labour, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal.
Yes, there are natural alternatives such as improving your "sleep hygiene". This includes practices such as drinking herbal tea, taking a warm shower, meditating, or trying some light reading before bed. Melatonin supplements, which are often marketed as sleep aids, may also be considered safe during pregnancy under medical supervision.
Some medications may be safer than others during pregnancy. For example, antihistamines are commonly used during pregnancy to treat nausea and vomiting, and they may also aid in sleep. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.
Lack of sleep during pregnancy can impact the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. It may increase the risk of developing conditions such as pregnancy-related diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. It may also increase the likelihood of premature birth, difficult labour, or the need for a cesarean section.
