Prescription sleep medication is generally not recommended in pregnancy. Most sleep medicines are not tested on pregnant women, and there is evidence that they cross the placenta, potentially causing breathing problems and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Research shows that some forms can increase your risk of premature birth. Your doctor may still prescribe sleeping pills based on your individual case if the benefits are thought to outweigh the risks. If you are reading this, you are probably past the point where a glass of warm milk makes a difference, but your doctor will likely suggest that you look at potential underlying causes for your poor sleep together and make a plan for improving things before resorting to medication.

Sleep can be more challenging at different stages of pregnancy or because of certain pregnancy symptoms or pregnancy-related conditions. You may also have an underlying condition that is interfering with your rest, and managing this will likely prove a far healthier route to sleep success than medication.

What can cause sleep problems in pregnancy?

This may change with your trimesters. Hormonal activity, back pain, feeling overheated, sore breasts, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, nausea, nose bleeds, heartburn, a poorly managed chronic condition, or your baby’s weight and kicking are just some of the reasons you may find it hard to sleep in pregnancy. Pregnancy can be tough, whether you are the mum trying to rest or the person lying next to her.

What sleeping pill alternatives can I take in pregnancy?

There are some remedies you may be advised to take to support your sleep during pregnancy, or some you might want to ask your doctor about. Let’s look at five now.

Melatonin for sleep in pregnancy

Melatonin is a hormone we produce in the evening to signal to our brains that it is time for sleep. It is also the name of a natural sleep remedy that is available over the counter in the UK and other countries. Many of us know that natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe, and, actually, while some melatonin supplements are made from animals or microorganisms, many are made synthetically. You may be worried about taking melatonin in pregnancy, as it is not recommended for babies and children. The research available suggests that it is safe to take in pregnancy under a doctor’s supervision. However, the NHS recommends against using it as it has not been properly tested on babies. If you really feel you want to try melatonin in pregnancy, make sure your healthcare team is aware of your behaviour.

Antihistamines for sleep in pregnancy

Antihistamines can be useful if your nose is congested (a common hormone-related pregnancy symptom) or you suffer from allergies. Many women don’t realise it’s possible to develop allergies you didn’t have before when you are pregnant! Pregnancy hormones can also make existing allergies worse, though some mothers report an improvement in their symptoms. Research on antihistamine use in pregnancy is most focussed on whether it helps prevent vomiting from morning sickness, for which it is also used. In this application, they have been proven safe. However, as there is less research on whether antihistamines are safe for pregnant women to use as sleep aids, you should still speak to your doctor about trying them.

Antidepressants for sleep in pregnancy

Some women need to use antidepressants in pregnancy, and, while promoting good sleep may be part of the reason, it’s unlikely to be the only one. Taking antidepressants at any time in your life is a major decision, and, in pregnancy, they will likely only be prescribed when you and your doctor believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

Painkillers for sleep in pregnancy

Pain is common in pregnancy, and there are many non-pharmacological ways to address it, including heat packs, physiotherapy, a TENS machine, and gentle exercise. Over-the-counter forms of paracetamol or codeine may be recommended if you want to take something for pain to help you sleep. As with anything you take in pregnancy, ask your doctor if it’s safe, when it’s safe, and how much and how often it’s safe. According to the BUMPS website, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family of painkillers (including ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac) are not suitable for use in the third trimester, though you shouldn’t be taking any of these at any point in pregnancy without a prescription and/or doctor’s supervision anyway.

Natural supplements for sleep

The supplement market is vast and includes products that promise all sorts of benefits, including fantastic sleep. Again, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Your chosen supplements may have not been tested on pregnant women.

How many hours of sleep do I need in pregnancy?

Everyone has different sleep needs, regardless of whether they are pregnant. Sleep and wake according to when you naturally feel you need to do so. This doesn’t mean you should be up and active in the middle of the night if this is when you wake, as your brain will come to associate antisocial hours with buying busy. It’s better to rest in bed if you wake during the night. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time. A good gauge of whether you’re getting enough good-quality sleep is whether you wake up refreshed.

Can I get the baby on my sleep cycle?

No, there is little evidence that your baby’s sleep patterns will follow yours while they’re in the womb or that you can make them do this. While they do spend a lot of time sleeping (and even yawning) in there, getting active when you’re lying down is perfectly healthy for them and may even be a sign they’re enjoying the little extra room they have to move about when you’re relaxed!

For more information on managing your pregnancy symptoms week by week, check out Unii’s Pregnancy Journey with Dr. Shree Datta.

Antenatal Class Questions: Can I take sleep medication in pregnancy?