How To Sleep When Youre Pregnant
A monthlong series exploring all things health and wellness.
I have never been a good sleeper. So when I got pregnant last fall, I was nervous. Id heard horror stories about insomnia during the third trimester in particular that its the worst sleep youll ever get in your life, according to one friend, even compared to having a newborn. I braced myself.
Things started to get bad around week 12. On New Years Eve, I conked out at 10:30 p.m., woke up at 1 a.m., tossed fitfully for what felt like years, and finally made myself a ham-and-cheese sandwich at 4 a.m. When I dragged myself out of bed in the morning, my body felt toxic and heavy, like my veins were pumping lead. I spent the witching hours of January lying on the cold kitchen floor, listening to meditation apps and dreading how exhausted Id be the next day. Finally, I begged my doctor for help. My trusty old friend Ambien was off-limits, I knew. But was there anything else I could do or take?
She gave me some advice, which I followed with the religious fervor of the truly desperate. To my surprise and relief, it actually worked. Im now 37 weeks pregnant and still sleeping pretty well, as long as I stick to my finely calibrated routine. Its a little obsessive, but every bit worth the eightish hours of rest Ive been getting most nights. Heres my full, doctor-approved program no matter what stage of pregnancy youre at , I hope you find something here that helps you.
Study Of Antihistamines In Pregnancy
A group of researchers from Boston Massachusetts and Singapore sought to determine the safety of antihistamines taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The data from this study is extremely encouraging that antihistamines are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The previous associations between antihistamine use during the first trimester and birth defects was not confirmed in this study.
The researchers examined data collected over a 12-year period of time, from 1998 to 2010, on over 13,000 babies born with birth defects, and compared them to nearly 7,000 babies without birth defects. Approximately 14% of all babies had been exposed to various antihistamines the mother took during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Claritin, have increased in pregnancy use over the years, while the use of other antihistamines, such as Chlor-Trimeton and Unisom has decreased.
However, in an attempt to assess the risk of developing other common birth defects, the researchers did find an association between the use of Chlor-Trimeton and any neural tube defect and with various congenital heart malformations. There was also an association between the use of Benadryl and one type of congenital heart malformation . However, the authors are careful to point out that these are only hypotheses that require further study.
Cold Medications To Avoid
- Alka-Seltzer : There is some evidence this can cause unsafe fluid buildup during pregnancy. Also, Alka-Seltzer Plus, which is developed for cold and flu symptoms, contains phenylephrine, which may carry an increased risk of birth defects.
- Any cold relief medication that includes aspirin or ibuprofen: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a category that includes aspirin and ibuprofen. Studies have shown that women who took these drugs are more likely to give birth to babies with heart defects.
- Sudafed during the first trimester: Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects associated with use of pseudoephedrine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Moms’ Experiences Of Using Unisom While Pregnant
“Unisom really helped me cope with pregnancy related stress during my first trimester and I continue taking it during my final stages of pregnancy. One tablet of Unisom is enough to put me to sleep within 15-20 minutes of taking it. Unisom really works for me!”
“I started suffering from terrible bouts of nausea and vomiting during my pregnancy, and it was followed by many sleepless nights. Unisom came to my rescue and ushered in relief in my life. I would really thank this medication for helping me overcome some terrible pregnancy related side-effects!”
“My tight work schedule made it very difficult for me to take rest during my pregnancy. Unisom worked wonders for me during this time. My gynaecologist prescribed me this medicine and it really helped me get over the pregnancy related stress.”
What Can I Take For Sleep During Pregnancy
There are also other over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids that are considered safe for occasional use in pregnancy, including Unisom, Tylenol PM, Sominex and Nytol, but always check with your doctor before taking these or any kinds of herbal preparations. You should also try not to take sleep aids every night.
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What Should I Avoid While Taking Unisom
Unisom may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Many combination medicines contain antihistamines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of doxylamine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Unisom can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Sleep And Your Mental Health
You may have trouble sleeping because youre anxious about giving birth, work, money, childcare or physical discomfort during the night. You may have always had insomnia.
But it is important not to let the fact that you are not sleeping make you even more anxious. If you are having periods of sleeplessness sometimes accepting it can be more relaxing. Remember that sleeplessness will not harm you or the baby.
Sometimes, sleeplessness can be a sign of depression or anxiety. Theres no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed if youre feeling low. Mental health problems are common in pregnancy so youre not alone.
Mental health problems can be treated with the right help and support, so tell your midwife or doctor if you feel low, depressed or anxious for most of the time for more than two weeks.
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Will Taking Unisom Make You Sleepy
Unisom is considered a sleep aid, which may naturally lead you to wonder if taking it will make you sleepy and if that should change how and when you take it.
In short, Unisom may make you drowsy. You may want to try it at night to see how you react to the medication, Dr. Ramos offers. At the same time, she says, all people are different and react differently to medications this might not be an issue for you. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any medication you have never taken.
Does Unisom Cause Birth Defects
In addition, several studies showed no increased chance of birth defects with the use of diphenhydramine in early pregnancy. Based on current research, it is unlikely that diphenhydramine would cause an increased chance for birth defects.
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Natural Remedies For Insomnia During Pregnancy
When it comes to treating insomnia during pregnancy, Dr. Gersh recommends starting by considering at-home remedies and good sleep hygiene practices before turning to a pharmaceutical sleep aid for pregnancy. That said, not all natural-sounding remedies are recommended, says Dr. Gersh. Most herbal remedies havent been studied in terms of safety during pregnancy, and the same goes for essential oils, she explains.
Still, there are several natural remedies that Dr. Gersh does recommend, and which she has found to be successful in helping pregnant people get good sleep, including:
- Drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile
- Incorporating walking and other forms of exercise into your day
- Getting plenty of sunshine and fresh air
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and routine
If youre dealing with nausea thats making sleep hard to come by, natural remedies that are known to help includeeating smaller, more frequent meals, addingprotein to meals when possible, and takingginger supplements or drinking ginger tea.
If frequent urination is keeping you up, try to meet your daily water intake earlier in the day and reduce fluids two hours before bedtime.
But beyond that, being sleep deprived is no fun, and all of us deserve a good nights sleep, especially those of us who are gestating a brand new baby. And trust us, youll want to bank some sleep now, before your sweet, up-all-night little one joins the picture.
Who Can And Cant Take Zolpidem
Zolpidem can be taken by most adults aged 18 and over.
Its not suitable for some people. To make sure zolpidem is safe for you, tell a doctor if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to zolpidem or any other medicines in the past
- have liver or kidney problems
- have myasthenia gravis, an illness that causes muscle weakness
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Safe Prescription Blood Pressure Medications
- Beta blockers such as Lopressor and Toprol-XL , Corgard and Tenormin : A recent study ruled out the risk of major first-trimester birth defects associated with beta blockers. However, there may be health risks during delivery, so make sure your doctors know if you are taking these medications.
- Calcium channel blockers including Norvasc , Cardizem, Tiazac, and others , Adalat CC and Procardia and Verelan and Calan : Multiple studies show no correlation between CCB use and major birth defects.
- Diuretics such as Diuril , Bumex and Midamor : Studies show that there is no increased risk of birth defects among mothers taking diuretics.
What Anxiety Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy
While there is a small possibility of birth defects associated with the use of SSRIs, the medical community generally considers SSRIs safe during pregnancy. Certain SSRIs, like paroxetine , may be more high-risk than others. As always, patients should consult their doctor to make sure their SSRI medications are safe.
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Risks And Side Effects
Due to a lack of research, doctors have not identified specific risks or side effects of using melatonin during pregnancy.
Assessing the effects of substances in pregnant women and fetuses can be challenging because of ethical concerns. If there are adverse effects, the researchers could be liable.
However, researchers have identified possible adverse effects of melatonin among the general population,
- interactions with medications, including supplements and prescription medicines
- daytime drowsiness, especially in older adults
Also, because melatonin is a supplement and not a prescription drug, the Food and Drug Administration do not regulate it. This means that melatonin supplements may contain ingredients that are not on their labels, and these can have additional effects.
Overall, it is important to note that doctors do not know the long-term effects of melatonin use.
Whatever The Reason May Be It Is Important To Understand That Insomnia Is Not Harmful To Your Baby
Insomnia medications safe during pregnancy. Laxatives like Senokot Dulcolax or Milk of Magnesia may also help but speak with your doctor. Options include Colace or Surfak. Ad Terima Panggilan ke bekasi.
Klinik Terapi Insomnia Terbaik lewat pikiran bawah sadar. Doxylamine has been widely used by pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy. Get Results from 6 Engines at Once.
The safety of drugs decreases as you move from Category B to Category C to Category D and finally to Category X. Get Results from 6 Engines at Once. 7232020 Using the categories outlined above medications for the treatment of the most common sleep disorders during pregnancy can be grouped.
9142018 Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Treating insomnia is a little more challenging when youre pregnant but its not impossible. 1222020 There are also other over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids that are considered safe for occasional use in pregnancy including Unisom Tylenol PM Sominex and Nytol but always check with your doctor before taking these or any kinds of herbal preparations.
There is some controversy regarding the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy. However there are some medications that are. Terapi Insomnia Langsung lewat pikiran bawah sadar.
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What Medications Are Never Safe During Pregnancy
Common medications that you should avoid during pregnancy are aspirin, ibuprofen, opioids, Xanax, and Valium.
- Aspirin and ibuprofen: Part of a class of drugs called NSAIDs, these are associated with a higher risk of heart defects.
- Opioids: Opioid use during pregnancy is associated with severe, catastrophic birth defects.
- Xanax and Valium: These sedatives are both associated with an increased risk of certain birth defects.
How Does Unisom Work
The active ingredient in Unisom is an antihistamine. Another antihistamine that may sound familiar is diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in medications like Benadryl.
When you take Unisom, the medication blocks the production of histamine and acetylcholine in the body. When these compounds are reduced, a person will start to feel sleepier.
If you are only having trouble sleeping while pregnant, your doctor might recommend Benadryl. Unisom is likely to be recommended for consistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
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Vitamin B6 And Unisom For Morning Sickness
Some treatments and supplements may help when youre feeling nauseated and you just dont have time to rest. Morning sickness can take a toll on family and work time, and sometimes soda crackers and other non-medication remedies just arent cutting it.
Taking vitamin B6 can be an effective measure for improving symptoms of nausea, but it may not do much to reduce vomiting.
AAFP notes that the recommendation is 10 to 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 every 8 hours, but side effects can include:
- headaches
- fatigue
- paresthesia, or the sensation of pins and needles
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended a combination therapy of vitamin B6 and doxylamine, which is sold over the counter as Unisom SleepTabs, for treating morning sickness in the first trimester.
According to ACOG, you should try vitamin B6 on its own first, before trying combination therapy. You can add doxylamine if vitamin B6 alone doesnt relieve symptoms.
If vitamin B6 hasnt helped and youre ready to try combination therapy, take 10 to 25 mg of vitamin B6 three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours. Take 25 mg of Unisom SleepTabs once before bed.
There are other dosing recommendations that vary depending on your personal circumstances and morning sickness symptoms, so speak with your doctor or a birthing professional before taking any medications.
Other side effects can include:
- dry mouth
Question: How Many Unisom Can I Take While Pregnant
You can also take ½ of a Unisom tablet twice a day. Unisom is an over the counter sleeping preparation that is OKAY in pregnancy, and can help with nausea.
Should I take UNISOM during pregnancy?
- Thus Unisom while being pregnant leads to drowsiness and it makes sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose better. If the drug is combined with vitamin B6 it can combat the signs of morning sickness and this is why a lot of doctors advise women to take it. According to the FDA, the drug is safe to use during pregnancy.
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Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant
During pregnancy, its perfectly normal to toss and turn every night. For starters, your growing belly might make go-to sleeping positions uncomfortable. Pregnancy symptoms might also be less-than-soothing, and you may feel anxious about becoming a mother for the first time.
Some mothers-to-be may try to combat their insomnia with prescription or over-the-counter sleep aidsbut are these safe? Also, can you take melatonin while pregnant? Heres everything you need to know.
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Medications You Should Definitely Avoid During Pregnancy:
Make sure to avoid the following:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: These are prescribed for hypertension or congestive heart failure, and can cause miscarriage or birth defects.
- Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine , especially if taken during the first trimester, may cause stomach defects or affect blood flow to the placenta though some doctors will recommend in limited amounts in the second and third trimesters. Also avoid cough and cold meds that contain alcohol or NSAIDs.
- Isotretinoin : This medication for cystic acne raises the risk of miscarriage and physical and mental defects in babies.
- Methotrexate: Used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
- Valproic acid: Used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and sometimes migraines, valproic acid can cause major birth defects, such as a heart defect, and behavior and learning problems. Check with your practitioner if valproic acid can be changed to another medication prior to pregnancy.
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Considerations For Using Unisom
When youâre pregnant, you and your child share more than just your belly.
Everything you eat, drink, and sometimes even put on your skin can be passed on to your baby.
As a result, sushi, deli meats, aspirin, and retinoid-containing skin care products are off-limits.
According to the FDA, Unisom is generally considered safe for pregnant women.
However, before taking any medications, consult with your doctor.
You and your doctor can talk about the medicationâs potential side effects on your baby and make sure it wonât interfere with any other medications youâre taking.
Before taking Unisom, consider the risks and benefits.
Consult your doctor if your sleep is severely disrupted to the point where you are unable to function during the day.
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Treatment options for at-home use
If your doctor advises against using Unisom or other sleep aids while pregnant, there are still steps you can take to improve your sleep.
Try the following to get a good night âs sleep.
With your doctorâs approval, exercise for 30 minutes per day.
Sleep on your left side to allow more blood to flow to your baby and kidneys.
A pillow between your knees can also help to relieve pressure on your lower back.
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