Home » Melatonin and Sleep » Is Melatonin Safe During Pregnancy

Is Melatonin Safe During Pregnancy

Table Of Contents

Is Melatonin Safe During Pregnancy

Written by:

Reviewed by:

Andrew McDowell

Andrew McDowell, MMS, PA-C, is an experienced clinician with over 10 years of practice in emergency medicine…

Reading Time: 3 minutes

February 27, 2024

Key Takeaways

Melatonin regulates circadian rhythms and plays a crucial role during pregnancy, acting as an antioxidant and being involved in reproductive processes.
The placenta synthesizes melatonin, which may contribute to maternal levels, though its exact impact is not fully understood.
Melatonin could be beneficial in pregnancies with complications like placental insufficiency, potentially reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory stress.
Supplementation may protect the developing baby’s brain when given to the mother during pregnancy.
Pregnant women often experience insomnia and may consider melatonin supplements, but should consult healthcare professionals first.
Current research suggests melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is likely safe for humans.
Maternal serum melatonin levels naturally increase throughout pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester.
Melatonin is involved in fetal neurodevelopment and may influence fetal sleep patterns during the rapid brain growth phases.
While animal studies show melatonin’s neuroprotective role, human trials on fetal neuroprotection are incomplete.
The placenta is a major source of melatonin during pregnancy, indicating the importance of endogenous production.

Melatonin’s Functions During Pregnancy

Melatonin, known for regulating circadian rhythms, also plays a crucial role during pregnancy. It acts as an antioxidant and is involved in various physiological processes related to human reproduction. The placenta synthesizes melatonin, which may contribute to circulating maternal levels, although its exact contribution remains unclear (NCBI).

Research suggests that melatonin could be beneficial in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as placental insufficiency due to its potential to reduce oxidative damage and inflammatory stress (News Medical). Additionally, there is evidence that melatonin supplementation may help protect the developing baby’s brain when given to the mother during pregnancy (Cochrane).

As many pregnant women experience insomnia, especially in the third trimester, they often seek ways to manage sleep problems. While melatonin is produced naturally by the brain and promotes sleep, it is important for pregnant women to consult healthcare professionals before using any supplements (Sleep Foundation).

Melatonin Supplementation During Pregnancy

Recent research has explored the safety and potential effects of melatonin supplementation during pregnancy. Contrary to earlier animal studies, current clinical evidence suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is likely safe for humans (PubMed). Maternal serum melatonin levels naturally increase throughout pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester, which supports a physiological role for this hormone in gestation (PMC).

Melatonin is believed to be involved in fetal neurodevelopment and may play a role in developing fetal sleep patterns, especially during rapid brain growth phases associated with REM sleep in the last trimester of pregnancy (PMC). However, while animal studies have supported a neuroprotective role for melatonin when administered to the mother, trials assessing its efficacy for fetal neuroprotection in pregnant women are yet to be completed (PMC).The placenta has been identified as a major source of melatonin during pregnancy, suggesting that endogenous production plays an essential role. Nevertheless, researchers continue to review the implications of exogenous melatonin administration in pregnancies complicated by conditions such as placental insufficiency (News Medical).

Melatonin

Exploring the Connection Between Mounjaro and Sleep

Andrew McDowell February 18, 2024