I took Ambien the first time I was pregnant and I am currently on Elavil and they did not let me know that it was a category D and I am not sure what I should do about this because I cannot go wo taking something because I have tried the whole benadryl and other things. With taking that the first pregnancy and having NO problems, and a perfectly healthy child, I am thinking about taking the ambien again. I cannot go without taking certain things, as I have a sleep disorder along with an anxiety disorder, I will mentally breakdown without anything. Does anyone have any recommendations or been in this situation and what did you take that was safe?
I went and saw a perinatal specialist about all this and they were able to give me ambien which is cat. b and helps me sleep really well, and also doesnt make me like a zombie the next day. They also recommended some things safer for my anxiety disorder that will be able to help me without doing any harm to a baby. Very glad I went to see this doctor! Thanks for your responses though!
My doctor perscribed me Unisom. It's just an over the counter sleep medicine. It was perscribed for nausia, but my pharmasist said that it is the only sleeping pill approved for pregnancy. Just make sure you get that brand.
I do know that tylenol PM is ok for occasional use during pregnancy - just not every day.
My OB prescribed me Ambien towards the end of pregnancy because I was too uncomfortable to sleep and she felt anxiety was preventing my body from progressing into labor. I only took Ambien once because of the reaction it gave me - violently vomitting and diarrhea - plus, it didn't actually help me to sleep. (its possible that the vomitting/diarrhea was the onset of labor)
I am not a believer in not using medications, and I fully trusted that my dr wouldn't recommend or prescribe something that would put my child at harm.
My son was full-term and perfectly healthy!
Dear B.,
I'm really concerned about all the medications you've used thus far, especially the prescriptive ones. Way too many side effects. I strongly suggest pre-natal yoga with an all natural dietary supplement called Melatonin. Go online and look into this for yourself as well as discussing it with your OB/Gyn. Peace and blessings.
I was also told to take Unisom for morning sickness and it was for an extended period of time so I would assume it would be safe to take for sleep purposes also. However it never really made me tired and I had no issues going off of it so I am not sure how effective it is for sleep.
I don't know where you live but there is a topical product called Sleep Rescue. You put is ON you, not IN you, which makes it safe for you while pregnant. If you are in Central VA, I can give you directions to Well In Hand and you can get it there. If not, go to www.wellinhand.com and you can order it there. Please let me know if you plan to order it or if you would like to talk to the lady who makes it. I don't usually use this product as I don't need it though I have used it before a big trip or speaking engagement when my mind was racing and I couldn't go to sleep. BUT I use a number of the other products and they are awesome!
S.
I have a sleep disorder that I typically take an anticonvulsive for, but cannot at all while trying to become or actually being pregnant. This was one of my biggest fears since if I don't take medication I get no restful sleep an can't function. The Ambien was the only drug of choice for both the sleep doc/neurologist and the perinatologist. Did the Ambien not work well for you? If it works for you, my suggestion (based on the docs see) is to take the Ambien just for the pregnancy. I understand, the benadryl or Tylenol PM does nothing for me - very frustrating. I'm 11 weeks and fairly well rested on 1 1/2 - 2 pills a night. Good luck!
~J
