Can you take melatonin while pregnant? safety, risks, and alternatives
- Updated Feb 27, 2025
- Published
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Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical associate professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Texas A&M University, College of Medicine in Bryan-College Station, USA
- Research on melatonin in pregnancy is limited, and its safety is not confirmed.
- Experts recommend non-hormonal sleep solutions, such as lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and pregnancy-safe supplements.
Pregnancy often brings sleep challenges due to shifting hormones, physical discomfort, and anxiety. Some expectant mothers consider melatonin while pregnant to improve sleep quality, but its effects on fetal development remain largely unknown. Since melatonin is a hormone that crosses the placenta, its use during pregnancy raises concerns among healthcare professionals. This article breaks down whether melatonin in pregnancy is safe and explores alternative sleep strategies.
Is melatonin safe during pregnancy?
Pregnant women often experience more sleep difficulties than usual. Studies show that 46% to 78% of pregnant women face sleep disorders, and by the third trimester, nearly 80% suffer from insomnia. As a result, many women look for ways to manage these issues and improve their sleep quality.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep cycles. Many people take melatonin supplements for insomnia, jet lag, and sleep disorders. However, melatonin during pregnancy is a grey area due to the lack of comprehensive research on its effects on fetal development.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not currently recommend melatonin for pregnant women. Since melatonin supplements are not FDA-regulated, concerns exist about their purity, dosage inconsistencies, and potential interactions with pregnancy hormones.
👉Find out more: Can you take antidepressants while pregnant? Risks, benefits, and safe options
What does research say about melatonin and pregnancy?
Most studies on melatonin pregnancy have been conducted on animals, making it difficult to determine its safety for humans. Some research suggests melatonin may play a role in fetal brain development and circadian rhythm regulation, but definitive conclusions are lacking.
Additionally, melatonin crosses the placenta, meaning it could directly affect fetal hormone production. While low doses may not cause harm, the long-term effects of melatonin exposure in utero remain unknown. Until more research emerges, most healthcare professionals advise against using melatonin while pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor.
Potential risks of taking melatonin while pregnant
- Hormonal interference: Since melatonin is a hormone, supplementing with it could disrupt the delicate hormonal balance needed for a healthy pregnancy.
- Fetal development concerns: Melatonin crosses the placenta, but its long-term effects on fetal growth and circadian rhythm are unclear.
- Unregulated dosages: Melatonin supplements vary in strength, and some may contain more than what’s listed on the label.
- Possible side effects: High doses of melatonin may cause dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness, which could worsen pregnancy-related fatigue.
Safe alternatives to melatonin for better sleep
If melatonin while pregnant isn’t the best option, there are safer, natural ways to improve sleep:
1. Lifestyle adjustments
- Stick to a consistent bedtime routine to help regulate your sleep cycle.
- Avoid blue light exposure from screens at least an hour before bed.
- Adjust your sleep position—sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees can improve comfort.
2. Natural remedies
- Chamomile tea: Has calming properties and promotes relaxation.
- Lavender essential oil: Can be used in a diffuser or pillow spray to improve sleep.
- Warm baths: Help relax muscles and reduce nighttime discomfort.
3. Pregnancy-safe supplements
- Magnesium: Aids in muscle relaxation and sleep quality.
- Vitamin B6: Supports neurotransmitter function and may improve sleep patterns.
👉Find out more: Which food can cause miscarriage: A comprehensive guide
The role of melatonin during pregnancy
The role of melatonin during pregnancy is essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles, and its levels naturally increase during the night, preparing the body for rest. However, melatonin’s role extends beyond just sleep regulation—it also helps in other important areas like hormone production and pregnancy-related processes.
Melatonin has protective effects on the placenta and may contribute to maintaining a healthy pregnancy by supporting the immune system and protecting against oxidative stress. Some studies suggest it can even help with uterine health. Though melatonin levels naturally increase during pregnancy, women should be cautious with supplementation and consult healthcare providers before taking melatonin, as its safety during pregnancy isn’t fully established.
What to do if you've already taken melatonin while pregnant
- If you’ve taken melatonin while pregnant, occasional use is unlikely to cause harm but discuss it with your doctor for reassurance.
- Monitor for any unusual side effects and focus on non-hormonal sleep strategies moving forward.
- Consider safer alternatives such as lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and pregnancy-approved supplements to improve sleep quality.
Questions from the Femia community
Can melatonin affect the baby's sleep cycle?
Since melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep, it can cross the placenta and potentially influence the baby's circadian rhythms, especially in the later stages of pregnancy when fetal sleep patterns begin to form. However, the long-term effects of melatonin exposure on fetal sleep and overall development are still not well understood due to limited research. While some studies suggest that melatonin could help regulate the development of circadian rhythms, further research is needed to confirm any direct impact on the baby's sleep cycle.
Are there pregnancy-safe medications for sleep?
For women experiencing sleep disturbances during pregnancy, doctors might recommend medications like antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine (Unisom), which are considered relatively safe when used occasionally. These medications work by promoting drowsiness without causing harm to the developing fetus, but they should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safety. It is essential to consult a doctor before using any medication for sleep, as some may not be appropriate during pregnancy, particularly in the later trimesters.
Does melatonin increase miscarriage risk?
Although there is no conclusive evidence directly linking melatonin supplementation with an increased risk of miscarriage, the use of melatonin during pregnancy is generally not recommended due to the lack of human studies. Some animal studies have raised concerns about its potential effects on the developing fetus, but these results have not been consistently replicated in humans. As a precaution, doctors advise against self-supplementing with melatonin during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional to evaluate potential risks.
Can melatonin deficiency cause pregnancy complications?
Melatonin is important for regulating sleep and maintaining circadian rhythms, both of which play a role in fetal development and maternal well-being during pregnancy. A deficiency in melatonin may potentially contribute to sleep disturbances or complications related to the sleep-wake cycle. However, there is no definitive evidence suggesting that melatonin deficiency directly causes pregnancy complications. While melatonin naturally decreases during pregnancy, supplementing with melatonin without medical supervision is not recommended. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider to discuss any concerns about sleep or hormonal imbalances and determine appropriate treatment.
The bottom line
While melatonin during pregnancy is sometimes used as a sleep aid, its safety remains uncertain due to a lack of human research. Because melatonin crosses the placenta and interacts with pregnancy hormones, most healthcare providers recommend avoiding it unless medically necessary. Instead, expectant mothers should explore safer sleep strategies such as establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen exposure before sleep, and using pregnancy-approved relaxation techniques. If sleep problems persist, consulting a doctor is the best course of action to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.
References
- Smyka, M., Kosińska-Kaczyńska, K., Sochacki-Wójcicka, N., Zgliczyńska, M. & Wielgoś, M. (2020). Sleep problems in pregnancy—A cross-sectional study in over 7000 pregnant women in Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5306.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32717974/. - Olcese, J. M. (2020). Melatonin and female reproduction: An expanding universe. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 85.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210911/. - Carlomagno, G., Minini, M., Tilotta, M., & Unfer, V. (2018). From implantation to birth: Insight into molecular melatonin functions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(9), 2802.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30227688/. - Dulay, A. T. (2020, October). Preeclampsia and eclampsia. Merck Manual Consumer Version.
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/complications-of-pregnancy/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia. - Miyake, Yoshiko, et al. “Maternal Sleep Duration and Preterm Birth: A Large-Scale Cohort Study.” PMC, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6753220/.
- P. A. H. Anderson et al. “Melatonin Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review of Clinical Studies.” National Library of Medicine, 6 Oct. 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9169489/.
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