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Is Unisom safe during pregnancy? Here’s what the experts say

What sleep aids are safe for pregnant people?

Kelli Catana
By
Pregnant woman sleeping on a bed
Artem Varnitsin / Shutterstock

Getting lots of sleep when pregnant is important, but that’s often easier said than done. Growing a baby is serious work and can result in less-than-ideal sleeping patterns. Whether it’s morning sickness, heartburn, muscle and ligament pain, or the general discomfort that comes with an ever-changing pregnant body, there always seems to be something disrupting your sleep.

Many people are used to using over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids when not pregnant, but are products like Unisom safe during pregnancy? We’re here to help you make an informed decision about Unisom pregnancy use on how to get a good night’s sleep.

A pregnant person, sitting in profile, holding a smartphone.
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What is Unisom?

Unisom Sleep Tabs is an over-the-counter product made to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, which many pregnant people struggle with. The active medication in Unisom is doxylamine succinate, which is non-habit forming and often used in conjunction with B6 to help ease the effects of morning sickness. However, even the Unisom website suggests those who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult their doctor before use.

Female doctor touching pregnant woman's stomach, smiling
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Is Unisom safe during pregnancy?

Unisom is classified as an antihistamine, similar to Benadryl, and is known to cause drowsiness. The FDA and ACOG have stated that Unisom is generally considered safe for pregnant people, but they suggest having a conversation with your doctor before starting any over-the-counter medication, especially if you’re on any other medications. You should always follow the usage recommendations on products like Unisom and not exceed the recommended dosage.

Pregnant woman with fever
Odua Images / Shutterstock

What are the potential side effects of Unisom?

Like many OTC medications, Unisom has some potential side effects, however they are generally pretty mild. You may experience dry nose and mouth, nausea, drowsiness, nasal stuffiness, nervousness, agitation, or headache after taking Unisom. In extreme cases, blurry vision or other vision problems may occur, or you may have trouble urinating. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

postpartum-woman-doing-kegel-exercises
Getty Images / Nando Martinez

Other ways to help with insomnia

Struggling with sleep problems like insomnia during pregnancy can be tough. Lack of sleep can impact your entire day, and if you’re suffering from extended insomnia, your health may be affected as well. If you’re not comfortable taking a product like Unisom, or if you simply are looking for other ways to help get a good night’s sleep, we have some suggestions.

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Consider cutting out or limiting your caffeine intake, especially in the evening. Regular exercise has been known to help with sleep, as has using relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and bedtime routine and consider using white noise or other calming sounds to help with sleep.

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Pregnancy can take a toll on your body, which is why you must get adequate sleep. If you find yourself struggling to sleep, speak to your doctor about how using OTC medications like Unisom can help.

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Kelli Catana
Kelli Catana
Contributor
Kelli is a freelance writer who has covered the world of entertainment, pop culture, parenting, and lifestyle for various…
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