The MILO Melatonin Induction Trial
More news on melatonin, that amazing anti-oxidant and immune system stimulant.
The results from a groundbreaking study, the MILO trial, are in, and they’re all about how melatonin—the hormone that helps you sleep (and does a million other things) —might also help bring on labor naturally. Melatonin isn’t just for getting those precious Z’s; it could also play a key role in helping your body prepare for labor.
Here’s the lowdown: The MILO study looked at whether giving melatonin to moms who were being induced could reduce the risk of having an unplanned cesarean. The study included 722 women who were randomly assigned to receive either melatonin or a placebo during their induction.
The MILO Trial
Melatonin Protocol
Moms in the melatonin group received four doses of 10 mg each. The first dose was given in the evening when a cervical balloon or Dinoprostone (a common induction medication) was used. The next dose was administered when the oxytocin/Pitocin drip was started, followed by two more doses, each six hours apart.
If labor was induced by breaking the water (artificial rupture of membranes), moms received up to three doses of melatonin.
So, what did they find? The primary goal was to see if melatonin could lower the rates of unexpected cesareans and the results were promising! Not only did the study look at cesarean rates, but it also considered other important factors like the duration of labor, the amount of oxytocin needed, blood loss, the baby’s Apgar score at five minutes, and how satisfied moms were with their overall birth experience.
MILO Study Conclusions
The MILO study provided some exciting insights into how melatonin can be a game-changer for moms undergoing labor induction. Here’s what the study concluded:
Reduced Cesarean Birth Rate: The study found that melatonin supplementation led to a 10% reduction in unplanned cesarean birth rates compared to the placebo group. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that melatonin could help more moms achieve a vaginal birth.
Shorter Labor Duration: Moms in the melatonin group experienced a shorter total labor duration by about 1.2 hours. This means less time in labor, which is a big win for comfort and energy conservation.
Lower Oxytocin Requirements: The study showed that the melatonin group needed a lower dose of oxytocin to induce labor, suggesting that melatonin might enhance the body’s natural readiness for labor (did you know the uterus has melatonin receptors?)
Reduced Blood Loss: Blood loss during delivery was reduced by 68.5 mL in the melatonin group, which is a positive outcome for postpartum recovery.
No Significant Difference in Apgar Scores: The Apgar scores of babies in both the melatonin and placebo groups were similar, indicating that melatonin did not negatively impact newborn health.
Higher Participant Satisfaction: Moms in the melatonin group reported higher satisfaction with their labor experience, highlighting the potential of melatonin to improve the overall birth experience.
This study’s final conclusion is that melatonin shows promise as a safe and effective supplement for reducing the need for cesarean births in labor, shortening labor, and enhancing the overall childbirth experience. These findings pave the way for further research, like the upcoming MyTime trial in Australia, which will continue to explore how melatonin can support more natural and empowered births.
And what about safety? The study was very careful in monitoring for any adverse events. The good news is that melatonin didn’t cause any serious side effects. A few moms experienced mild symptoms like dizziness, tiredness, or some tummy discomfort, but overall, melatonin was well-tolerated. Both moms and babies were closely watched from the start of induction until they were discharged from the hospital, ensuring that any unexpected reactions were caught and managed quickly.
So as you prepare for your baby’s big arrival, it’s empowering to know that new, innovative approaches are being explored to support you every step of the way. Here’s to a smooth and empowered birth journey.
