Across the United States, countless expectant mothers are wondering: is melatonin safe during pregnancy? As of November 2025, this question remains one of the most frequently asked in obstetric clinics and online parenting forums. The short answer: while melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone vital for healthy sleep, its use in supplement form during pregnancy requires careful consideration and medical supervision.
Recent discussions among experts at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that research into melatonin use during pregnancy is still evolving. Although some studies show potential benefits, others raise important questions about safety, dosage, and the long-term effects on both the mother and developing baby.
Why Sleep Is So Difficult During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can disrupt sleep in several ways—ranging from hormonal shifts and physical discomfort to anxiety and frequent nighttime awakenings. The rise in the hormone progesterone in early pregnancy often leads to increased fatigue during the day but disrupted sleep at night. As the pregnancy progresses, physical discomfort, heartburn, leg cramps, and fetal movement can further interfere with rest.
For many women, these challenges make a full night’s sleep seem impossible. With over-the-counter sleep aids often discouraged during pregnancy, some women have turned to melatonin supplements, believing them to be a safe and natural alternative.
But while melatonin is indeed a natural hormone, experts caution that taking it in pill or gummy form is very different from the body’s natural production.
Understanding Melatonin: The Sleep Hormone
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, a small structure in the brain that releases the hormone in response to darkness. It helps regulate circadian rhythms—the body’s internal clock that controls sleep and wake cycles.
During pregnancy, melatonin levels naturally increase, especially in the third trimester. This boost plays an important role not only in helping mothers sleep but also in supporting fetal development. Research shows that melatonin can cross the placenta and may influence the baby’s sleep-wake rhythm and neurological growth.
However, the melatonin made naturally by the body differs from the concentrated amounts found in supplements. While the body might release less than 0.3 milligrams per night, many commercial melatonin tablets contain 1 to 10 milligrams—several times higher than what the body produces.
This discrepancy raises the key question: what happens when pregnant women take doses far above their natural hormonal levels?
What Research Says About Melatonin Use During Pregnancy
Studies conducted up to 2025 show mixed results. Some early evidence suggests melatonin might have protective effects in pregnancy, helping reduce oxidative stress and improving placental function. These findings have led researchers to investigate whether melatonin could play a role in treating certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
For instance, scientists at the University of Toronto reported that melatonin supplementation, when used under medical supervision in high-risk pregnancies, appeared to improve placental blood flow and reduce oxidative damage. However, these trials involved carefully controlled doses prescribed by physicians, not over-the-counter use.
Other studies warn that excessive melatonin could interfere with reproductive hormones, potentially affecting fertility, implantation, or fetal growth. As of 2025, there is still no large-scale, long-term study confirming the overall safety of melatonin supplements in pregnant humans.
Because of this, most health authorities—including ACOG and the Mayo Clinic—recommend against taking melatonin without a doctor’s approval.
Why Over-the-Counter Melatonin Isn’t Always Safe
When evaluating whether melatonin is safe during pregnancy, one major concern is the lack of regulation in the supplement market. In the United States, melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement, not a prescription drug. This means the FDA does not verify the purity, potency, or safety of products before they reach store shelves.
Independent lab testing in 2024 revealed that some melatonin gummies and capsules contained up to 400% more of the hormone than listed on the label. Others contained serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can cause side effects if taken unintentionally.
This variation makes it difficult for consumers—especially pregnant women—to know exactly how much melatonin they’re taking. Doctors warn that even small hormonal imbalances during pregnancy can have lasting effects, making accuracy and consistency essential.
If melatonin use is ever deemed necessary, experts recommend choosing products certified by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International, as these third-party organizations test supplements for quality and safety.
Potential Risks of Melatonin During Pregnancy
While melatonin supplements are generally considered low-risk for healthy adults, pregnancy introduces new factors. Because melatonin crosses the placenta, both the mother and baby are exposed to it. This raises questions about how it might affect fetal development, hormone regulation, and future sleep patterns.
Possible side effects and concerns include:
- Hormonal interference, potentially affecting estrogen or progesterone balance.
- Daytime drowsiness or dizziness.
- Nausea or upset stomach.
- Disrupted sleep cycles if taken inconsistently.
- Unknown long-term effects on fetal growth or brain development.
Although no major health complications have been directly linked to short-term melatonin use during pregnancy, experts agree that more research is needed before it can be labeled completely safe.
What Experts Recommend in 2025
Healthcare professionals emphasize that the safest path is to address the root cause of sleep problems rather than immediately turning to supplements. Many forms of pregnancy-related insomnia can be improved through lifestyle adjustments.
Dr. Rachel Manos, a 2025 obstetric sleep specialist, advises, “Melatonin can be helpful in very specific, doctor-supervised cases, but for most pregnant women, improving sleep habits is the first and best approach.”
She and other experts suggest focusing on sleep hygiene, physical comfort, and mental relaxation before considering melatonin or any other sleep aid.
Natural, Non-Supplement Sleep Solutions for Pregnant Women
If you’re struggling to sleep during pregnancy, you’re not alone—and the good news is that there are natural, effective ways to improve rest without supplements.
Here are doctor-approved strategies:
- Set a consistent bedtime: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your body’s internal clock.
- Limit screens before bed: Blue light from phones and TVs reduces natural melatonin production.
- Create a calming bedtime ritual: Reading, gentle stretching, or meditation can signal your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Sleep on your left side: This improves circulation and reduces pressure on vital organs.
- Use supportive pillows: A body pillow or wedge cushion can relieve hip and back strain.
- Keep the room cool and dark: Both temperature and lighting influence melatonin production naturally.
- Avoid caffeine after noon: Even small amounts can interfere with sleep quality.
These adjustments not only help improve sleep but also support overall pregnancy health—without the risks of hormonal interference.
When Doctors May Recommend Melatonin
While melatonin should not be used casually, there are rare cases where doctors may recommend it under supervision. For example:
- Women with severe insomnia not improved by lifestyle changes.
- Expectant mothers with shift work sleep disorders.
- High-risk pregnancies where melatonin therapy is being researched for antioxidant benefits.
In these cases, physicians carefully control dosage and monitor both maternal and fetal well-being. Pregnant women should never start melatonin supplements on their own or based on online recommendations.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Melatonin
If you’re considering melatonin during pregnancy, discuss the following points with your healthcare provider:
- What’s causing my sleep trouble—hormones, anxiety, or discomfort?
- Could melatonin interfere with my prenatal vitamins or medications?
- What dose and timing are safest, if approved?
- Are there alternative treatments or relaxation methods I should try first?
- How will we monitor its effects on me and the baby?
These questions ensure that you make informed, evidence-based decisions about your health.
Future Research: What’s Next for Melatonin and Pregnancy
Ongoing research in 2025 continues to explore melatonin’s potential role in pregnancy health. Clinical trials in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. are examining whether melatonin’s antioxidant properties could reduce complications in high-risk pregnancies.
Some early results are promising, suggesting melatonin may help regulate placental function or support fetal brain development. However, scientists emphasize that these studies involve medical-grade melatonin administered under strict supervision—not over-the-counter supplements.
Until more definitive data is available, experts advise caution and stress that self-prescribed melatonin use is premature.
Read Also:- Is Melatonin Safe During Pregnancy? What 2025 Research Reveals About Sleep, Safety, and Hormonal Health
Final Thoughts: Is Melatonin Safe During Pregnancy?
So, is melatonin safe during pregnancy? The most accurate answer as of 2025 is “not completely known.” While natural melatonin plays a vital role in pregnancy, taking supplemental melatonin carries potential risks due to unregulated dosages and limited long-term data.
If you’re pregnant and struggling to sleep, prioritize lifestyle and behavioral strategies before reaching for supplements. And if melatonin seems necessary, consult your doctor first for guidance on whether it’s appropriate, what dose is safe, and how to monitor its effects.
Every pregnancy is unique—so personalized medical advice will always be the safest path.
Have you used or considered melatonin during pregnancy? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and help other expectant mothers stay informed and supported.