I have had horrible insomnia since becoming pregnant, and I have not been able to go to work. I work two twelve hour shifts a week and I really need something to help me fall asleep just those two nights prior. Also, I have tried teas, reading, no caffine, etc., but nothing works. I'm up until 3 or 4 AM and I'm supposed to work from 6:30AM to 7PM. My boss is getting mad and I'm worried that I won't be able to work this entire pregnancy.
2007-01-18 13:21:28 · 16 answers · asked by CCC 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
You gotta call the doc on this one! Try a bubblebath.
2007-01-18 13:25:50 · answer #1 · answered by Christina 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Ideally you should avoid all medications (including herbal remedies) during pregnancy, since most drugs have not been tested on pregnant women and it can be hard to know what affect they may have on your baby. If you have a severe sleep problem or disorder, your practitioner may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter drug to use during your second or third trimester. But you should never take any medication during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor or midwife.
Over the counter medications
Ask your doctor or midwife if you can take an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride and doxyalamine (brand names include Benadryl, Sominex, and Unisom) are generally considered safe during pregnancy, although drowsiness is a side effect — not the primary effect — of the drug. Since other possible side effects include impaired alertness and dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery after taking this medication.
Prescription medications
If you're suffering from severe insomnia or anxiety, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a prescription sleeping medication. Warning: Never drive or operate machinery after taking a drug to help you sleep.
2007-01-18 21:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by Karyzma77 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
When i was having really bad problems sleeping due to hurting my shoulder, my Doctor said it would be ok to take Tylenol PM. I would double check with your Doctor though, just to make sure. Good luck on the sleep thing....i am 30 weeks and havent had a good night sleep since about week 16 :-(
2007-01-18 21:29:26 · answer #3 · answered by misty n justin 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Benadryl is the best sleep aid and not harmful while pregnant.. I was high risk preg 5 years ago and used it nightly so I could sleep. All off the specialists I went to said it is totally safe. Still make sure with your doctor though.
2007-01-18 21:34:39 · answer #4 · answered by kirstenirene 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My OBGYN of course told me no, nothing. My natural practitioner recommended melatonin 3 mg at night and it really helped me. There are studies on pregnant women taking melatonin at www.melatonin.com
It appears to be safe. I am sorry that you are having such a hard time sleeping. A friend of mine went through that also while pregnant but never found anything until she reduced the stress in her life.
2007-01-18 21:31:52 · answer #5 · answered by Katie 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My midwife okayed tylenol pm for me during my pregnancy. I had horrible insomnia. She also prescribed some regular prescription sleep aids as well that were safe for pregnant women but I don't remember their name brands.
Best Wiahes!
2007-01-18 21:26:50 · answer #6 · answered by jettyspagetti 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My OB approved Ambien also, but check with your own OB. They all have different ideas on what is safe to take. Since it is a prescription you have to get it from your doctor anyway.
2007-01-18 21:27:04 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Benadryl can be taken during pregnancy. And as it goes it is the same ingredient that is in these OTC sleep medicines. I just figured that out a couple weeks ago.
2007-01-18 21:26:37 · answer #8 · answered by momof3 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call your doctor. Sleep aids aren't good to take while pregnant. Alot of them are habit forming and you have to remember while it is knocking you out it is doing the same thing to your baby.
2007-01-18 21:25:36 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Benadryl is safe to take during pregnancy and it's what my OB said to use to help me sleep.
2007-01-18 21:53:50 · answer #10 · answered by Pashta 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋