Melatonin in Pregnancy & Birth
Melatonin and Pregnancy: The Power of Dim Lighting
Welcome to Part 1 of our deep dive into the magic of melatonin during pregnancy! While oxytocin often steals the spotlight during labor and birth, recent research is shining a much-needed light on melatonin’s vital role – and trust me, it’s a game-changer. It’s so game-changing that there are research trials starting in 2024 to see if melatonin supplementation at 39 weeks can increase the rates of spontaneous labor. This is a big deal if you’re ‘on the clock’ ie for VBAC.
Why Dim Lighting is a Big Deal
Ever wonder why everyone in the know (except hospitals) recommends dim lighting for labor? It’s not just to create a relaxing ambiance. Dim lighting triggers specific cellular activities that can help labor progress, reduce pain, and promote recovery. Let’s jump into some helpful info on this superhero hormone. Melatonin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. What the heck are they - anti-what? During all of the trillions of processes our cells get up to during the day and how our cells process energy, oxidative stress molecules get left behind and can be very harmful to us. A by-product of making energy is oxidative stress. This is a ‘stress’ we can’t avoid. Oxidative stress molecules can attack healthy cells in the body. These special molecules (ROS - reactive oxygen species) are associated with less optimal health, more inflammation, cancer and diabetes. Well-informed doulas and midwives even recommend blue-blocking glasses for labor to really dial in those benefits.
Meet Your New Superhero: Melatonin
Melatonin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in our bodies. It’s often called the "hormone of darkness" because it helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles. But did you know it’s also produced by the pineal gland and the placenta during pregnancy? This superstar hormone plays a crucial role in fertility, labor, birth, and overall health.
Night-Time Melatonin: Your Sleep Ally
As the sun sets, melatonin levels rise, telling your body it’s time to wind down. This is why many labors kick off at night – your brain activity slows down, and your body can focus on the task at hand. Keeping lights dim in the evening helps this process along, ensuring melatonin can do its job effectively. A good reason to stay off your phone and other bright light devices in the evening. Blue light from devices is considered by scientists to be an endocrine disruptor.
Day-Time Melatonin: Your Metabolism Booster
During the day, melatonin production in the pineal gland stops, but your mitochondria – the little powerhouses in your cells – pick up the slack. Sunlight, particularly near-infrared (NIR) light, directly stimulates these mitochondria to produce melatonin. This daytime melatonin helps your cells work optimally and reduces oxidative stress.
The Modern Dilemma: Indoor Living
We spend over 90% of our day indoors, missing out on that crucial NIR light from the sun. This can affect melatonin production and, subsequently, your health. The good news? Home light units that include red and NIR wavelengths can help bridge the gap if you can’t get out into sunlight.
The Role of Melatonin in Labor
Studies have shown that melatonin levels rise as the body prepares for labor. This hormone's primary job during labor is to make the birth process smoother. Melatonin’s properties include pain reduction, regulation of mitochondrial function (how much energy your cells have - definitely important for labor), anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuro-protective effects, sleep and immune enhancement. Notably, melatonin also teams up with oxytocin to enhance the efficiency of labor. Melatonin passes through the placenta, reaching the baby's blood, and helps protect baby from cell damage due to its antioxidant properties.
Wai Man G.C. et al., 2017 shows the correlation between the circadian clock and the immune system. Melatonin also regulates the distribution of immune cells throughout the body. (Lymphocyte proliferation, enhancing phagocytosis and stimulating cytokine production - specialist cells that go to injury sites and reduce infection). Therefore, in pregnancy, melatonin can help suppress various inflammatory complications, including preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
Note: Babies born by planned cesarean aren’t born with physiologic melatonin levels for long-term health. Some studies are exploring the impact of melatonin supplements on premature babies.
Gestational Diabetes and Melatonin
Research shows that women with gestational diabetes often have low melatonin levels. Boosting melatonin can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce complications like preterm labor and preeclampsia. See my other posts on this topic especially if you have a GTT coming up.
Light Therapy: The Future of Pregnancy Care
Scientists are exploring how specific wavelengths of light can either enhance or inhibit melatonin production. For example, blue/green light (507nm) can slow down uterine contractions, potentially preventing preterm labor. On the flip side, red light therapy/photobiomodulation can boost melatonin, supporting a smoother labor process.
Practical Tips for Boosting Melatonin
Dim the Lights: As evening approaches, dim your lights to signal your body that it’s time to produce melatonin.
Use Blue-Blocking Glasses: These are more effective than sunglasses at blocking blue light.
Get Sunlight: Spend time outdoors to soak up natural light, especially in the morning.
Consider Light Therapy: Use a home light unit with red and NIR wavelengths to boost melatonin if you can’t get enough sunlight.
Why This Matters
Understanding the role of melatonin in pregnancy can empower you to create the best possible environment for labor and birth. It’s not just about relaxation – it’s about harnessing the power of a hormone that can make a real difference in your experience.
Stay tuned for more insights into how light therapy can support your pregnancy journey. And remember, sometimes, it’s the small changes that make the biggest impact.
