Ashwin Lewis
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with 77% of pregnant individuals experiencing issues such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While taking prescription sleeping pills during pregnancy is not recommended, several over-the-counter medications are considered safe for treating insomnia in pregnant individuals. These include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used infrequently and under medical supervision. However, it may be recommended to avoid Benadryl during the first and third trimesters due to potential side effects and balance issues. Other alternatives, such as Doxylamine (Unisom) and melatonin, are also considered safe during pregnancy but should be used cautiously and only after consulting a healthcare provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Diphenhydramine is considered safe to take during pregnancy, but only at normal doses and under medical supervision. It is a class B drug, meaning animal studies show it does not harm a fetus. |
| Side effects | Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and balance issues, which may increase the risk of falling or accidental injury during pregnancy. It may also be habit-forming and cause unpleasant side effects like dry mouth and malaise. |
| Birth defects | There is conflicting evidence on whether diphenhydramine increases the risk of birth defects. A few studies suggest a higher risk during the first trimester, but no consistent pattern has been noted. |
| Miscarriage | One study found no increased risk of miscarriage associated with the use of diphenhydramine or other antihistamines in early pregnancy. |
| Fertility | There is no evidence that diphenhydramine affects male or female fertility. |
| Breastfeeding | Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk in small amounts and can cause sleepiness in nursing babies. However, short-term or occasional use is not expected to increase the risk of side effects during breastfeeding. |
| Alternatives | Other antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are recommended by some healthcare providers as they have fewer side effects. Doxylamine (Unisom) is another over-the-counter option considered safe during pregnancy. |
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What You'll Learn
- Diphenhydramine is considered safe to take during pregnancy, but it may cause drowsiness
- There are alternative antihistamines with fewer side effects
- It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy
- Diphenhydramine may increase the risk of balance issues and accidental injuries during pregnancy
- Studies suggest a higher chance of birth defects when taken during the first trimester
Diphenhydramine is considered safe to take during pregnancy, but it may cause drowsiness
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is considered safe to take during pregnancy, but it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness. These side effects can increase your risk of falling or accidentally hurting yourself during pregnancy, especially as your growing belly changes your centre of gravity. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider before taking Benadrile and they may recommend alternative antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays that cause less drowsiness.
Benadryl is a class B drug during pregnancy, meaning animal studies show it does not harm a fetus. It is an antihistamine used to temporarily relieve symptoms due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold, such as a runny nose and sneezing. It is also a sedative, so it is sometimes used as a short-term sleep aid. While Benadryl is considered safe to take during pregnancy, it is recommended to do so infrequently and only as needed under the supervision of your doctor or midwife.
Some studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when diphenhydramine is used during the first trimester, but these studies are not conclusive and no consistent pattern of birth defects has been noted. It is important to note that taking higher than recommended doses of Benadryl can lead to serious heart problems and other side effects such as uterine contractions. Additionally, Benadryl may be habit-forming and may stop working after a few times of use.
If you are struggling with insomnia during pregnancy, it is recommended to practice good sleep habits and address any underlying pregnancy discomforts. Melatonin is another option that has been found to be safe and effective for pregnant women with insomnia, but it is important to consult your healthcare provider before use. Overall, while Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is considered safe during pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.
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There are alternative antihistamines with fewer side effects
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is among the over-the-counter medications considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy, although it may have side effects and could become habit-forming. However, there are alternative antihistamines with fewer side effects.
Layan Alrahmani, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, does not recommend Benadryl routinely for allergy or cold symptoms. She suggests that there are newer medications, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), that are more effective without the side effect of drowsiness. Zyrtec tends to have fewer side effects than Benadryl, which can make you more drowsy. Claritin is also less likely to make you sleepy.
Other antihistamines considered safe during pregnancy include doxylamine (Unisom) and melatonin. Doxylamine is typically used in sleep aids, but it is also an antihistamine that can treat allergies. Melatonin is considered safe and effective by some doctors, although there is limited research on its use during pregnancy.
Natural alternatives to antihistamines include stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. However, research supporting these alternative treatments is limited. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication or natural remedy during pregnancy.
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It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to bodily discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is considered safe to take during pregnancy, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
Diphenhydramine is a medication that has been used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, motion sickness, insomnia, itchy skin, and tremors related to Parkinson's disease. It is in a class of medications called antihistamines, which are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, diphenhydramine can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness, which can raise your risk of falling or accidentally hurting yourself during pregnancy. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine while pregnant, as they may recommend alternative options with fewer side effects.
Additionally, while diphenhydramine is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk of 3-5%, a few studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when it is used during the first trimester. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid diphenhydramine during the first and third trimesters, and to use it infrequently and only as needed during the second trimester. It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider when taking any medication during pregnancy, including diphenhydramine.
There are other safe pregnancy sleep aids available, including over-the-counter medications like doxylamine (Unisom) and natural remedies such as melatonin. Melatonin is considered safe and effective by some healthcare providers, but there is limited research on its use during pregnancy. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy, including sleep aids, to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.
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Diphenhydramine may increase the risk of balance issues and accidental injuries during pregnancy
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to bodily discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is considered a safe sleep aid during pregnancy, although it may have side effects and could become habit-forming. It is best to use Benadryl infrequently and only under the supervision of a doctor or midwife.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that can be used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, motion sickness, insomnia, and itchy skin. It is available in many over-the-counter and prescription products, including Benadryl, Unisom Sleep Tabs, Sominex, and Nytol. While diphenhydramine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness. These side effects can increase the risk of balance issues and accidental injuries during pregnancy.
Pregnant individuals already experience changes in their balance and coordination due to shifts in their center of gravity as their belly grows. Diphenhydramine's side effects can add to this, leading to increased balance issues and a higher risk of falling or accidental injuries. Vertigo is common in the first trimester, and balancing issues can become more prevalent as the pregnancy progresses. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the use of diphenhydramine with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.
Some experts recommend avoiding diphenhydramine in the first and third trimesters due to possible side effects and the risk of birth defects. Studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when diphenhydramine is used during the first trimester, although the evidence is inconsistent. Additionally, taking higher than recommended doses of diphenhydramine during pregnancy can lead to serious heart problems and potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. As such, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine or any other sleep aid during pregnancy to ensure the safest option for both mother and child.
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Studies suggest a higher chance of birth defects when taken during the first trimester
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®, Sominex®, and Nytol®.
While diphenhydramine is considered safe to take during pregnancy, some studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when taken during the first trimester. Specifically, positive associations have been reported for diphenhydramine with cleft palate, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, neural tube defects, spina bifida, limb reduction defects, and gastroschisis. However, it is important to note that these studies are not unanimous, and no consistent pattern of birth defects has been noted. The overall prevalence of antihistamine use decreased from early to late pregnancy, except for diphenhydramine, which slightly increased from 4.2% in the first trimester to 5.1% in the third trimester.
Diphenhydramine is associated with a risk of side effects and serious health risks if not used as directed. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine or any other medication during pregnancy. They may advise you to avoid it, especially during the first and third trimesters. There are also other newer medications with fewer side effects and potential risks that your provider may recommend.
In addition, diphenhydramine may cause sleepiness in adults and is considered a sedative. It is occasionally used as a short-term sleep aid. However, it is important to note that taking prescription sleeping pills during pregnancy is generally not recommended. Safe alternatives to consider during pregnancy include Doxylamine (Unisom), Melatonin, natural remedies, and addressing underlying pregnancy discomforts.
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Frequently asked questions
Diphenhydramine is considered safe to take during pregnancy at normal doses, and it is available over the counter. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
Diphenhydramine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and balance issues. These side effects can increase the risk of falling or accidental injury, which is already higher during pregnancy.
There are other antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays that can be used as alternatives to diphenhydramine. Doxylamine (Unisom) is another over-the-counter sleep aid that is considered safe during pregnancy. Melatonin is also an option, but there is limited research on its use during pregnancy.
Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk in small amounts and can cause sleepiness in the nursing baby. Short-term or occasional use is not expected to cause side effects, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for advice on medication while breastfeeding.
Some studies have suggested a higher chance of birth defects when diphenhydramine is used during the first trimester, but the results are inconsistent and no specific pattern of birth defects has been noted. Overall, the use of diphenhydramine is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects above the normal background risk of 3-5%.
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