This mom just gave birth in 45 minutes and this common supplement may be why

Knowing that your labor is going to be induced often means you have a pretty good idea of when your baby will come, but it doesn’t mean you know how long it will take for them to arrive. In fact, research suggests that women who are induced labor longer than women who weren’t.

Because there are many reasons why women may want or need to be induced, a new study is in progress to determine if melatonin pills can speed up labor after an induction. And one participant in that study just had a 45-minute labor, start to finish.

Using melatonin to induce labor: Meagan’s story

Meagan James, 41, was expecting her second child and needed an induction due to her gestational diabetes, 9News reports. After her induction—and a dose of melatonin pills—James’ son Josh came into the world faster than she’d expected. “I was declared in labor at 10:15 am and he came out at 11 o’clock. It was quite a ride,” she told 9News.

So can melatonin accelerate induced labor? Josh’s speedy delivery is promising, but it’s too early to tell if the melatonin pills his mama took are definitely the reason why he arrived so fast. James participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, where half of about 700 moms were given melatonin pills and the other half received sugar pills. James wasn’t told which one she received, as is standard in these kinds of scientific trials.

Dr. Miranda Davies-Tuck is the lead researcher on this project. She says melatonin may help women who are induced have “shorter labors, maybe less painful labors.” This is because melatonin is a hormone like oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. Previous research suggests that melatonin may enhance the effect of oxytocin on contractions, making the contractions more synchronized and powerful.

Tuck’s work isn’t the only research on melatonin in pregnancy. A 2018 study “suggest[s] that melatonin could be a new therapeutic agent to prevent preterm birth and fetal brain injury.”

But before you run out and grab a bottle of melatonin, it’s important to know that there is a lot more science to be done before melatonin can be considered safe to take during pregnancy. Always talk to your medical provider before taking any kind of supplement or medication during pregnancy or birth.

For more on melatonin and pregnancy, read here: Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time – PMC (nih.gov)

Melatonin and Labor: The Secrets of a Dark and Comfortable Environment

The Science Behind Melatonin and Labor

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Its primary function is to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, with levels of melatonin increasing in darkness and decreasing in the presence of light. Interestingly, melatonin has been found to synergize with oxytocin, the hormone responsible for initiating contractions during labor. This synergistic effect promotes coordinated and forceful contractions of the late-term pregnant uterus, essential for a smooth birthing process.

Research conducted by Sharkey, Puttaramu, Word, and Olcese explored the role of melatonin in enhancing the contractility of human myometrial smooth muscle cells. The study concluded that melatonin, in conjunction with oxytocin, promotes uterine smooth muscle contractions and facilitates gap junction activity. These findings provide valuable insights into the importance of melatonin in labor progression.

The Circadian Rhythm and Labor Onset

The circadian rhythm, also known as the body’s internal clock, influences numerous physiological processes, including the onset of labor. Many women experience the onset of labor during the night or early morning hours, which aligns with the natural peak of melatonin production in the wee hours. This phenomenon is not limited to humans; other mammals instinctively seek out dark and comfortable places for giving birth. It seems that our bodies have retained this primal knowledge, and it’s essential to pay attention to the natural cues that promote labor progression.

Coping Strategies for Labor

Labor can be an intense and challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, there are various coping strategies that women can employ to navigate the journey of childbirth. Progressive relaxation, hypnobirthing, visualization, and breathing techniques have proven to be effective in managing pain and promoting a sense of calm during labor. Interestingly, these coping strategies align with the need for a dark and comfortable environment.

When a woman is in a sterile, cold, and artificially bright hospital setting, it becomes incredibly challenging for her to access these coping techniques fully. The constant interruptions, medical procedures, and bright lights can disrupt the natural flow of labor and impede progress. In contrast, creating a dark and comfortable space allows women to relax and enter a sleep-like state, enabling their bodies to do what they instinctively know how to do.

Facilitating a Dark and Comfortable Environment

Creating a dark and comfortable environment during labor is not limited to home births. Even in a hospital setting, there are steps that can be taken to emulate the natural conditions that promote labor progression. If possible, laboring at home for as long as possible before heading to the hospital can help maintain a comfortable and familiar environment. During the transition to the hospital, wearing sunglasses and playing relaxing music can help mitigate the impact of artificial light and external distractions.

Once at the place of birth, requesting dim or no lights, minimal distractions, and a comfortable space can make a significant difference in the birthing experience. Trusting the body and allowing it to do what it knows how to do is crucial. It’s essential to advocate for your needs and communicate your preferences to the medical staff to ensure a conducive environment for labor.

The Role of Melatonin Supplements

In some cases, labor may stall or progress slowly despite efforts to create a dark and comfortable environment. In such situations, the use of melatonin supplements has been suggested by some healthcare professionals. While further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of oral melatonin supplementation during labor, anecdotal evidence suggests that it can make a difference for some women.

If you find yourself in a situation where labor is stalling, discussing the possibility of a small dose of oral melatonin with your healthcare provider may be worth considering. It’s important to note that this approach should be undertaken under the guidance of a medical professional who is familiar with your specific circumstances.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can melatonin speed up labor after induction, and how does it work?

A1: Research is ongoing to determine if melatonin pills can accelerate induced labor. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, may enhance the effects of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions during labor. The synergistic effect of melatonin and oxytocin can lead to coordinated and forceful contractions, potentially shortening the duration of labor.

Q2: What was Meagan’s experience with melatonin-induced labor?

A2: Meagan James, a participant in a double-blind study, had a 45-minute labor after being induced with melatonin pills. Her experience was promising, but since the study involved a placebo group as well, it’s too early to conclude that melatonin was definitively responsible for the fast labor.

Q3: How does melatonin regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and why is it relevant to labor?

A3: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its levels increase in darkness and decrease in light. Melatonin’s relevance to labor lies in its synergistic effect with oxytocin, promoting coordinated contractions. The circadian rhythm influences the onset of labor, with many women experiencing it during the night, aligning with melatonin production peaks.

Q4: What does research say about melatonin’s role in enhancing uterine contractions?

A4: Research suggests that melatonin, in conjunction with oxytocin, enhances uterine smooth muscle contractions and facilitates gap junction activity. This synergy promotes effective contractions, potentially aiding in the progression of labor.

Q5: How does the circadian rhythm impact labor onset?

A5: The circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, influences the onset of labor. Many women experience labor during the night, corresponding with the natural peak of melatonin production. This primal knowledge is observed in mammals seeking dark and comfortable places for giving birth.

Q6: What coping strategies are effective during labor?

A6: Coping strategies such as progressive relaxation, hypnobirthing, visualization, and breathing techniques have proven effective during labor. Creating a dark and comfortable environment is crucial, as interruptions, medical procedures, and bright lights can impede the natural flow of labor.

Q7: How can a dark and comfortable environment be facilitated during labor?

A7: In both home and hospital settings, maintaining a dark and comfortable environment is beneficial for labor progression. Wearing sunglasses, playing relaxing music, and minimizing distractions can contribute to a conducive environment. Advocating for preferences and communicating needs to medical staff is essential.

Q8: What is the role of melatonin supplements in labor?

A8: Melatonin supplements may be suggested in cases where labor stalls despite efforts to create a comfortable environment. While further research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of oral melatonin supplementation during labor, anecdotal evidence suggests it may make a difference for some women. Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial before considering melatonin supplements.

A version of this story was first published April 8, 2019. It has been updated.