melatonin
a hormone produced by the pineal gland in darkness but not in bright light. Melatonin receptors in the brain, in a nucleus immediately above the optic chiasma , react to this hormone and synchronize the nucleus to the 24-hour day/night rhythm, thus informing the brain when it is day and when it is night. Melatonin is a derivative of serotonin , with which it works to regulate the sleep cycle, and is being used experimentally to treat jet lag, SADS , and insomnia in shift workers and the elderly.
This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking melatonin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
A small number of limited studies looking at melatonin use in people with infertility who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments have not shown an increase in pregnancy rates. Whether melatonin affects fertility more broadly has not been well established, so any concerns about getting pregnant are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking melatonin increase the risk of miscarriage?
This has not been well studied. Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and studies looking at melatonin use for infertility have not shown an increased chance of miscarriage. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation.
Does taking melatonin increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background risk of 3–5% for birth defects, and it is not known whether melatonin would change this chance. The few human studies done (looking at melatonin to reduce blood loss during C-section and to support IVF) have not suggested an increased chance of birth defects. This is a topic to review with your healthcare provider.
Can taking melatonin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Studies have not been done to determine whether melatonin supplements affect outcomes such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Studies exploring melatonin use to reduce blood loss during C-section deliveries have shown mixed results, with some finding less blood loss and one finding no difference. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these uncertainties.
Can taking melatonin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Studies have not been done to see if taking melatonin supplements during pregnancy can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. Because this question has not been studied, it is a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking melatonin?
Melatonin made by the body is naturally present in breastmilk in higher amounts at night, but taking melatonin supplements while breastfeeding has not been well studied. One case has been reported of an infant with a bleeding problem while being breastfed by someone taking a supplement containing both melatonin and valerian; this has not been reported in other studies, including ones where melatonin was given directly to infants. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your breastfeeding questions.
Source: National Library of Medicine
melatonin