Taking melatonin during pregnancy is generally not recommended due to insufficient evidence on its safety and potential effects on fetal development. Although melatonin is naturally produced by the body and the placenta during pregnancy, the safety of melatonin supplements for pregnant women is unclear. Most doctors advise avoiding melatonin supplements during all trimesters of pregnancy out of precaution, despite some animal studies showing no definitive harm. Melatonin may cross the placenta and affect the fetus, but more research on humans is needed to confirm risks or benefits. For sleep problems during pregnancy, doctors usually recommend safer, better- studied alternatives and lifestyle changes rather than melatonin supplements.

Safety and Research Summary

• The body and placenta produce melatonin naturally, with levels rising during pregnancy.
• Scientific evidence is insufficient to affirm supplement safety; animal studies have mixed results.
• Some research suggests melatonin may help with pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia, but this is not conclusive.
• Clinical experts generally recommend avoiding melatonin supplements during pregnancy due to unknown risks and favor other sleep aids or behavioral therapies.

Recommendations

• If pregnant and experiencing sleep difficulties, consult a healthcare provider for safer alternatives.
• Avoid melatonin supplementation unless specifically advised and supervised by a doctor.
• If melatonin was taken inadvertently before knowing about pregnancy, it’s unlikely to cause harm but should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

In short, the best practice is to avoid melatonin supplements during pregnancy unless guided by a healthcare provider, due to unclear safety and unknown effects on the fetus.