Contradictory statement arises, when the use of Melatonin is questioned during the pregnancy time. No wonder, pregnancy is the most beautiful time that passes in a woman’s lifetime.
At the same time, she needs to be strong enough mentally and physically to face the challenges which she came across during that time.
So, one of them is Insomnia (disruptive sleep), that tends a pregnant woman to have sleepless nights.
Melatonin pill helps, an insomniac tablet(the inability of a person to fall asleep) to have a regulated sleep, but the pregnant woman should avoid it or take a low dose (i.e. 3mg or less) under physician guidance, as higher dosage will result in the developmental disorder of the unborn child.
Table of Contents
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin (chemical formula, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a naturally found substance in the human body in the form of a hormone exists in the brain.
It is also made synthetically in the laboratory in the form of medicine pills to treat disorders like rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) etc.
Is Melatonin Harmful During Pregnancy?
The answer is yes, yet it controls sleep and wake cycle, but it is harmful to pregnant ladies as it affects their reproductive system.
Till now studies and researches are not completed to give a conclusion, but a scientist says that Melatonin is found in breast milk, so it should be avoided when breastfeeding.
It can even result in various side effects which are as follows:-
1. General Side Effects
These may include mood changes, agitation, abnormal or accelerated heartbeat, feeling extreme hot or cold, dizziness, fatigue, delusions, bad dreams, nausea, itching, appetite changes, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and glaucoma.
2. Affecting Sugar Levels And Blood Pressure
It is good to have regular checkups when a pregnant woman takes melatonin. The Melatonin pill may affect sugar level so checkups would help her to know the fair growth of her unborn child.Regular checkups include blood pressure and sugar level checkup so as to avoid the risk of clotting during pregnancy.
3. Hormonal Changes
Several hormonal changes occur at the time of pregnancy. So, a pregnant woman’s hormone level should be monitored, if she takes melatonin in a way to avoid hot flashes, acne, pregnancy mask, stomach ailments and bladder problems etc.
What Causes Insomnia During Pregnancy?
1. Early Pregnancy
Various hormonal changes take place during pregnancy that causes more Urination problem, Back pain, Breast tenderness, Abdominal congestion, and Nasal congestion during the initial stages of pregnancy.
A woman often faces restless sleep in nights, which tends and trips to the bathroom all night long.Progesterone hormone that floods during pregnancy causes more sleep during daytime while wakeful nights.
2. Later In Pregnancy
With growing belly, the baby also starts growing that starts congesting body organs and woman start facing problems of heartburn, anxiety and sometimes faces severe hot flashes throughout their pregnancy.
Get Sound Sleep
Sound sleep during pregnancy can be achieved by following ways other than using such medicines like by:-
The Proper bedtime routine should be made for relaxation, which helps to calm the mind. In addition, a warm bath should be taken to have a sound sleep.
Accessories like an eye mask and ear plugs should be used to keep out unwanted light or to block out background noise.
Sleeping position should be proper and more pillows should be used so as to support the lower back and tummy which makes sleeping easier.
Foods high in carbohydrates, such as bread or crackers should be taken on the regular basis with a glass of milk, which helps to maintain nutrition level in the body.
Massage therapy is an excellent alternative to such medicines. So, Massage should be given at the end of the day to help relax. It can be a hand, foot, or neck massage.
Natural Supplements should be taken like Maca, tart cherry extract, and Ashwagandha which will help in reducing the sleeping problem.
So, it is not suggested to intake Melatonin during pregnancy or should only be taken under proper physician guidance that to a low dose as it may muck up the work for your baby
