What Sleeping Pills Can You Take While Pregnant?

If you’re a pregnant woman who is struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you might be wondering what sleeping pills you can take while pregnant. It’s an understandable question, as many pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping and need some kind of help to get the restful sleep they need. In this article, we’ll discuss what sleeping pills are safe to take while pregnant and how to find the best one for you.

What Sleeping Pills Are Safe to Take While Pregnant?

Pregnant women often have trouble sleeping due to discomfort, hormone changes and the emotional changes that come with pregnancy. While it can be tempting to reach for a sleeping pill to make it easier to drift off, it is important to make sure the medication is safe to take while pregnant. The good news is that there are some sleeping pills that can be safely taken during pregnancy.

In general, medications should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy, as some medications can cause birth defects or other complications. Therefore, it is always important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medication. When it comes to sleeping pills, the safest option is to try natural remedies such as exercise, relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter medication that is commonly used as a sleep aid. It is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, although it is not recommended to take it for more than two weeks. It is also important to note that diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and should not be taken while operating a motor vehicle or other hazardous activities.

Doxylamine

Doxylamine is another over-the-counter medication often used as a sleep aid. It is considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, although it is not recommended to take it for more than two weeks. Like diphenhydramine, doxylamine can cause drowsiness and should not be taken while operating a motor vehicle or other hazardous activities.

Prescription Sleeping Pills During Pregnancy

Prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended for pregnant women, as most have not been studied for safety during pregnancy. However, some doctors may prescribe sleeping pills for pregnant women in cases where the benefits outweigh the risks. The most commonly prescribed sleeping pills for pregnant women are benzodiazepines, such as temazepam and lorazepam, and antidepressants, such as trazodone.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They work by slowing down the central nervous system, which helps to produce a calming effect and make it easier to fall asleep. While benzodiazepines are considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, they should only be taken for a short period of time, as long-term use can cause drowsiness and other side effects.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often used to treat depression and anxiety, but they can also be used to treat insomnia. They work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and sleep. While antidepressants are generally safe to take during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a doctor about the risks and benefits.

Herbal Supplements for Sleep During Pregnancy

Herbal supplements are often used to help with insomnia, but it is important to note that not all supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. Certain herbs, such as valerian, chamomile and lavender, are generally considered to be safe, but it is important to speak with a doctor before taking any herbal supplement.

Valerian

Valerian is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety. It works by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and sleep. While valerian is generally considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking it.

Chamomile and Lavender

Chamomile and lavender are two herbs that are often used to treat insomnia and anxiety. They are thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin and decreasing stress hormones, which can help to induce sleep. While chamomile and lavender are generally considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking them.

Acupuncture for Sleep During Pregnancy

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia. It works by stimulating the body’s natural energy pathways, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and induce sleep. Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, although it is important to speak with a doctor before trying it.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture works by inserting small needles into specific points on the body. These points are thought to stimulate the body’s natural energy pathways, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and induce sleep. Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, although it is important to speak with a doctor before trying it.

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

When choosing an acupuncturist, it is important to find one who is qualified and experienced in treating pregnant women. It is also important to make sure the practitioner is licensed and insured. It is also a good idea to speak with a doctor before trying acupuncture to make sure it is safe for the individual’s particular situation.

Related Faq

What Types of Sleeping Pills Can You Take While Pregnant?

Answer: Generally speaking, it’s not recommended to take any type of sleeping pill while pregnant. However, if your doctor prescribes a sleeping aid, there are some safe options available. Some of these include antihistamines such as Benadryl, which can be taken occasionally or on a regular basis, and low-dose doxylamine, which can be taken occasionally. It’s important to speak with your doctor and weigh the risks and benefits before taking any type of sleeping pill while pregnant.

Are Sleeping Pills Safe During Pregnancy?

Answer: Generally speaking, most sleeping pills are not safe to take during pregnancy. There is a risk of potential side effects or complications when taking certain medications, and the risks may be greater during pregnancy. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any type of medication while pregnant, including sleeping pills.

What Are the Risks of Taking Sleeping Pills While Pregnant?

Answer: The risks of taking sleeping pills while pregnant vary depending on the type of medication taken. Some potential side effects include drowsiness, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and stomach upset. There is also a risk of fetal malformations, low birth weight, and other complications when taking certain medications during pregnancy. It’s important to speak with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits before taking any type of sleeping pill while pregnant.

What Are the Alternatives to Sleeping Pills During Pregnancy?

Answer: If you’re having difficulty sleeping while pregnant, there are some alternatives to taking sleeping pills. Some of these include practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Additionally, there are some natural remedies that can be used to help with sleep, such as melatonin or valerian root. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking any natural remedies.

Is It Safe to Take Over the Counter Sleeping Pills While Pregnant?

Answer: Generally speaking, it’s not recommended to take any type of over the counter sleeping pills while pregnant. There is a risk of potential side effects or complications when taking certain medications, and the risks may be greater during pregnancy. Additionally, some over the counter medications may contain ingredients that are not safe for pregnant women, such as alcohol or antihistamines. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking any type of medication while pregnant, including over the counter sleeping pills.

Can You Take Prescription Sleeping Pills While Pregnant?

Answer: If your doctor prescribes a sleeping aid, there are some safe options available. Some of these include low-dose doxylamine, which can be taken occasionally, or antihistamines such as Benadryl, which can be taken occasionally or on a regular basis. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor and weigh the risks and benefits before taking any type of sleeping pill while pregnant. Additionally, there are some natural remedies that can be used to help with sleep, such as melatonin or valerian root.

Is It Safe to Take Sleeping Pills While Pregnant?

If you are pregnant and need help sleeping, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking any sleeping pills. While limited research exists on the safety of sleeping pills during pregnancy, there are some medications that may be considered safe for pregnant women to take. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of any sleeping pills with your doctor before taking them. With your doctor’s help, you can make the best decision for you and your baby’s health.