Between heartburn, bathroom trips and a racing mind, sleep during pregnancy can be tough. Melatonin is sold as a gentle, natural option, so it's natural to wonder whether it's OK now. The honest answer: the research is thin, and this is a decision to make with your OB or midwife.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against NIH (NCCIH, LactMed), MotherToBaby guidance and peer-reviewed research
Can you take melatonin while pregnant?
Don't start melatonin during pregnancy without talking to your OB or midwife first. The NIH notes there's been a lack of research on melatonin safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women[1], and MotherToBaby says it isn't known whether melatonin increases the chance of birth defects[2]. A 2022 scoping review found no randomized trials of melatonin for sleep problems in pregnancy[3].
Caveat: The small amount of human data hasn't shown major safety concerns, but "not shown" isn't the same as "proven safe."
Sources: NCCIH · MotherToBaby · Vine et al., 2022 · Verified 2026-09-27
In this article
What does the research actually show?
Very little, directly. A 2022 scoping review of human studies on melatonin during pregnancy and lactation found 15 studies in total: eight on pregnancy and seven on breastfeeding. None were randomized trials of melatonin for sleep disorders in pregnancy, and no study measured insomnia as a main outcome[3].
The studies that do exist mostly used melatonin for other reasons, such as pregnancy complications or fertility treatment. The review's authors reported that these trials didn't suggest major safety concerns and called for dedicated research on sleep[3]. MotherToBaby, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, similarly notes that studies of melatonin in fertility treatment haven't shown an increased chance of miscarriage, but that melatonin supplements in pregnancy "have not been well studied" overall[2].
That's the full picture: a small, mixed body of evidence without warning signs, but without the kind of studies that would let anyone call it proven safe.
Why do experts urge caution?
- Missing data. The NIH says research on melatonin safety in pregnancy is lacking[1]. It isn't known whether melatonin affects the chance of birth defects, and outcomes like preterm birth and birth weight haven't been well studied[2].
- Melatonin is a hormone. It plays a role in the body's timing systems, and supplements typically deliver more than the body makes on its own[1].
- Label accuracy. A 2023 study found 22 of 25 US melatonin gummy products were inaccurately labeled, with some containing up to about 3.5 times the stated amount[5]. During pregnancy, that uncertainty matters more.
- Sleep problems can have other causes. Restless legs, reflux, snoring and mood changes are all worth raising with your provider, and melatonin won't address them.
That's why supplement labels, including ours, advise pregnant and nursing women to consult a physician before use.
What about melatonin while breastfeeding?
Melatonin is naturally present in breast milk, with higher levels in nighttime milk. The NIH's LactMed database says it's unlikely that short-term use of usual evening doses by a nursing mother would harm a breastfed infant, but also notes that no data exist on the safety of maternal melatonin supplements during breastfeeding, and some experts recommend against it[4]. MotherToBaby likewise says supplement use while nursing hasn't been well studied[2].
If you're breastfeeding and struggling with sleep, bring it up with your OB or your baby's pediatrician before trying melatonin.
What should you ask your OB?
- "Could something specific be disrupting my sleep, like reflux, restless legs or snoring?"
- "Are there non-medication approaches you'd suggest first?"
- "If you think a sleep aid is reasonable, which option and dose would you recommend, and for how long?"
- "Does anything I already take interact with melatonin?"
- "What about after the baby arrives, if I'm breastfeeding?"
What can help you sleep during pregnancy?
These everyday habits are low-risk and worth trying while you talk to your provider:
- Keep a consistent wake time, even after a rough night.
- Get daylight in the morning and dim the lights in the evening.
- Put screens away before bed (here's how screen time connects to melatonin).
- Eat dinner earlier if heartburn keeps you up, and ask your provider about sleep positions and pillows.
- Wind down with something calming; stress plays a big part in sleep, as we cover in how stress impacts sleep.
The honest summary
- Research on melatonin in pregnancy is limited, with no randomized trials for sleep problems[3].
- Available studies haven't flagged major concerns, but safety hasn't been established[1][2].
- Breastfeeding data are also limited[4].
- Talk to your OB or midwife before taking melatonin while pregnant or nursing.
A note from Vita Globe
Pregnant or nursing? Check with your provider first
Our melatonin gummies are labeled for adults with occasional sleeplessness and are not for use by pregnant or nursing women without consulting a physician. We'd rather you get your provider's go-ahead than guess, and we're happy to share full product labels with your OB or midwife.
Frequently asked questions
I took melatonin before I knew I was pregnant. Should I worry?
Try not to panic. Available studies haven't shown an increased chance of miscarriage in the settings studied[2], but tell your OB or midwife so they can advise you directly.
Is melatonin safe in the first trimester?
There isn't enough research to say. Speak with your provider before taking any supplement, particularly early in pregnancy[1][2].
Can melatonin cause a miscarriage?
Studies of melatonin in fertility treatment haven't shown an increased chance of miscarriage, but melatonin use in pregnancy hasn't been well studied overall[2].
Can I take melatonin while breastfeeding?
LactMed says short-term, usual evening doses are unlikely to harm a breastfed infant, but safety data are lacking[4]. Ask your provider first.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Melatonin: What You Need To Know. Updated May 2024. nccih.nih.gov
- MotherToBaby (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists). Melatonin fact sheet. April 2024. In: Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets, NCBI Bookshelf. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583263
- Vine T, Brown GM, Frey BN. Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: a scoping review of human studies. Braz J Psychiatry. 2022;44(3):342–348. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2021-2156
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Melatonin. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Revised April 2026. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501863
- Cohen PA, Avula B, Wang YH, Katragunta K, Khan I. Quantity of melatonin and CBD in melatonin gummies sold in the US. JAMA. 2023;329(16):1401–1402. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2296
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
