Melatonin to Induce Labor?
So, you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, and like many expectant moms, you’re probably wondering about the best way to help your body kickstart labor naturally. In many areas there’s ongoing pressure to give birth by 40 weeks - and without robust evidence of benefit - and plenty of evidence of harm.
Here’s the scoop: new research is starting to explore the potential of melatonin, that sleep hormone we all love, as a way to induce labor. Sounds promising, right? But before you get too excited, there’s something important you need to know—those blue light devices you’re glued to at night might just be undoing all that good work.
Let’s dive into what this research is all about and why your nighttime scrolling could be sabotaging your labor plans. And if you decide to take melatonin for labor - get yourself some blue blocker glasses for the bright hospital lights.
What’s the Deal with Melatonin and Labor?
Melatonin is the hormone your body produces to regulate sleep. It’s usually released in response to darkness, helping you wind down and drift off. But here’s something you might not know: melatonin also plays a role in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages and it has an impact on our immune system.
Recent studies are beginning to look into how melatonin might help in inducing labor. The theory is that melatonin can enhance the effects of oxytocin—a hormone that stimulates contractions—thereby promoting labor. This connection between melatonin and oxytocin isn’t just theoretical; it’s grounded in the understanding that both hormones are part of the body’s natural rhythm, working together to prepare your body for childbirth. Plus the uterus has melatonin receptors!
In essence, melatonin could potentially be a natural way to nudge your body into labor when the time is right. But there’s a catch, and it’s one that might be hiding in plain sight.
Melatonin and Labor
Is a melatonin supplement effective for inducing labor? A new trial is getting started to investigate.
The Blue Light Dilemma
Let’s talk about blue light. It’s the light that comes from your phone, tablet, TV, and even some energy-efficient light bulbs. While blue light is great during the day for keeping you alert, it’s not so great when it’s time to wind down. Why? Because blue light messes with your melatonin production and acts as a stressor on the brain.
When you’re exposed to blue light at night, it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, which in turn suppresses the release of melatonin. And if melatonin levels are low, not only might you have trouble falling asleep, but it could also interfere with that potential boost to labor that melatonin might provide. Blue light exposure in pregnancy has also been linked with an increase in blood glucose levels (it acts as a stressor)and an increase in the rates of Gestational Diabetes.
So, while you might be thinking, “Oh, I’ll just pop some melatonin supplements when I’m ready to induce labor,” it’s not that simple. If you’re still using blue light devices late at night, you’re effectively telling your body to hold off on melatonin production. In other words, all that screen time could be standing between you and the natural labor you’re hoping for. Plus we don’t know if circulatory melatonin that’s absorbed orally has the same effect as the melatonin released by your body.
What You Can Do
If you’re intrigued by the idea of using melatonin to help encourage a spontaneous start to labor labor, here’s what you can do to give it the best shot:
Limit Blue Light Exposure at Night: Start by cutting back on screen time at least two hours before bed. If you absolutely need to use your devices, consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses or using apps that filter out blue light.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom as dark as possible and stick to a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your body’s natural melatonin production and the circadian rhythm.
Talk to Your Midwife or OB: Before considering any supplements or new approaches, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on whether melatonin might be right for you as you approach labor.
The Bottom Line
Melatonin’s potential role in inducing labor is exciting, but it’s not a silver bullet—especially if you’re counteracting it with late-night screen time. To make the most of this natural approach, you need to be mindful of your environment and habits, particularly when it comes to blue light exposure.
So, as you prepare for your little one’s arrival, think about putting away those screens in the evening. Your melatonin levels—and your chances of a smooth, natural labor—might just thank you for it.
Learn more about the MyTime research trial here and the previous MILO research.
Tracy
