To be pregnant and addicted to Nytol

[Littlemisspiggy21]

Clearly IABU but posting here for traffic.

I am pregnant and due in June. This is very much a wanted and planned pregnancy.

I have always struggled with sleep and I am ashamed to say I am addicted to Nytol one a night (non herbal). I have been taking it throughout my pregnancy - I have tried to stop but literally not slept for multiple nights and cracked and had some just to get some sleep. I am back to taking it nightly.

From googling it, there’s no evidence that the main ingredient (Diphenhydramine) affects the baby but I know this isnt right and I desperately need to stop before my 3rd trimester. Additionally I planned to breastfeed which I can’t do whilst taking these (I assume).

Please help. My DP doesn’t know and I’m incredibly scared about the damage I may already have caused my unborn baby.

Also I have also tried every single meditation/lavender spray/bath solution possible.

I’d ask you to be kind but clearly I need the some really harsh truths to make this stop.

I was in hospital for a week before my baby was born prematurely and couldn't sleep at all because of the stress and anxiety of our situation. I begged for a sleeping tablet from the midwives (I'd never tried one before but was so sleep deprived) and they wouldn't let me have anything. However they did give me one a few days after the birth, even though I was expressing breast milk.

I actually thought it was common for the effect of nytol to wear off after a while taking them (even a few days) - could you just be experiencing a placebo effect from them? In which case dropping them might not affect you as you think it might!

Just re your comment about being a light sleeper… try a white noise machine (or a fan). I can’t sleep without them. Really helps.

Cut them down gradually - make a schedule and stick to it. That works well. It gives you time to adjust both physically and mentally.

For the light sleeping, I really suggest sleeping in the spare room. Sleeping alone is so much better. I’m a light sleeper and even my ex’s breathing kept me awake. I was on edge all night and I found going to sleep then being woken repeatedly disrupted my sleep centres so much that I just couldn’t fall asleep.

I also find a silk sleep mask helps a lot. I don’t know why, but it somehow closes my brain down. Whether that’s psychological or physical, I don’t care - it helps a lot.

You’re doing the right thing speaking to the midwife. xx

Well I took the great advice and took half a tablet last night and only slept half the time 🫠 I hate my brain

Would melatonin help? Is that a safer option?

I had awful insomnia throughout my 3rd trimester in my pregnancy but I managed to avoid sleeping tablets. I'd really recommend plenty of fresh air and walking, and Rescue Remedy Night melts or liquid. If it's any consolation my sleep was much better once the baby was born!

@WorriedAboutDurham i read that melatonin is not safe during pregnancy

@Funkyslippers that is reassuring!

Do you mind sharing what medication it was you were on?

@ILoveeCakes
Unnecessary comment there. The op feels worried enough without your two pennies worth

You never post anything remotely supportive do you? What exactly is your problem because believe me I've read some of your comments on other threads and you do have issues. Your posts are not helpful or come from a place of knowledge.

Have you tried phenergen? It's very similar to
Nytol and I think prescribed during pregnancies for it's anti sickness benefits 👍

Or @ILoveeCakes shut your mouth until you have something kind to say to someone who is struggling and looking for help. You don't get any higher by dragging someone else down, pp is correct, all you comment on other threads is nasty shit designed to make people feel worse. You must be a very sad little individual to derive pleasure from that.

To be honest, a well rested you is more healthier than a stressed sleep-deprived you from your baby's perspective. I'm not a HCP and as you say you will speak with your mid-wife but above all please try and not let this stress you out too much. I understand easier said than done but honestly it sounds like you're just about managing so no need to punish yourself more with the added stress of worry.

Good luck with it all, OP! Sleep struggles are a nightmare (excuse the pun) x

Thank you all for being so kind 🥺

For the avoidance of any doubt, I don’t think any of this is ok, I am not taking any of this lightly and will be speaking to my midwife at my appointment on Monday

OP

Take no notice of the little horror seeking to scare you. Please take heart that my now nine year old DD was exposed to nytol three times per week for six whole months in my pregnancy and is absolutely healthy. AND MY GP TOLD ME TO TAKE IT.

I know I have posted this before but you have had an unnecessary battering on here so I thought it might be worth reminding you.

Have a very big hug 🤗

Hiya, I know this is an old post but I was just wondering how you got on with the rest of your pregnancy and was your baby ok? I’m really struggling to sleep and ususally take nytol in non pregnant times but I’m unsure weather to take them now due to conflicting information online

Hi @CheekyTraybake baby is here, 4 months old and thriving 💕 I took nytol daily whilst pregnant but still would be weary to say it’s ok as I guess everyone’s body metabolises it differently. The pregnancy insomnia is something else though - hope you’re ok!