Overview

Melatonin use during pregnancy is not well-studied, and while some evidence suggests it may be safe, there is a lack of comprehensive clinical trials to confirm this. It is generally advised to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using melatonin during pregnancy.

Detailed Information

1. Safety and Efficacy:
   • Current research indicates that melatonin is likely safe during pregnancy, but the evidence is not conclusive due to the lack of randomized controlled trials specifically focused on pregnant populations.
     1

     Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMed

     Clinical trials that used exogenous melatonin during pregnancy and breastfeeding for other clinical conditions have not suggested major safety concerns or adverse events.

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     Source: PubMed
   • Some studies suggest that melatonin may have beneficial effects, such as reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of complications like pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
     2

     You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

     Interestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...

     Read full article

     Source: MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Women's Mental Health Across the Life Cycle
2. Physiological Role:
   • Melatonin levels naturally increase during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, suggesting a physiological role in pregnancy and fetal development.
     3

     The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMC

     In conclusion, maternal melatonin ... Because the placenta plays a key role in the numerous pathologies of pregnancy, its production of melatonin has also been studied in the context of high-riskpregnancy, as it is underlined in the review by Laste G....

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     Source: PubMed Central - National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine
   • The placenta produces melatonin, which is thought to support a healthy pregnancy and fetal neurodevelopment.
     4

     The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn

     Wai M.G.C. et al., 2017 explained ... (Figure 2). Furthermore, in the third trimester of pregnancy, melatonin crosses the placenta and blood–brain barrier from the maternal circulation to the fetus and melatonin receptors are widespread in the fetus in both central and ...

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     Source: mdpi.com
3. Concerns and Recommendations:
   • Over-the-counter melatonin supplements often contain doses higher than what the body naturally produces, raising concerns about potential impacts on fetal development.
     2

     You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

     Interestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation ...

     Read full article

     Source: MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Women's Mental Health Across the Life Cycle
   • Due to the lack of detailed human studies, healthcare providers often recommend alternatives with a better-established safety profile for managing sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
     5

     Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

     Interestingly, the placenta produces melatonin and this source of melatonin is thought to be important to maintaining a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth ...

     Read full article

     Source: MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Women's Mental Health Across the Life Cycle
4. Potential Benefits:
   • Some animal studies and early human trials suggest that melatonin may have protective effects against fetal growth restriction and other pregnancy complications, but more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
     6

     The Melatonin in Pregnancy Study - The University of Auckland

     Can a pregnant mum taking a melatonin supplement when the baby has fetal growth restriction protect the baby’s brain and improve learning and development?

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     Source: Liggins Institute
5. General Advice:
   • While melatonin is a natural hormone, its supplementation during pregnancy should be approached with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks based on individual health needs and circumstances.
     7

     Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHS

     Melatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.

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     Source: nhs.uk

In summary, while melatonin may offer some benefits during pregnancy, the lack of comprehensive human studies means it should be used cautiously, and under medical guidance.