Hi Clara I have bipolar and had zopiclone (same thing) during pregnancy as pg hormones caused a manic episode. I didn't want to take anything but the insomnia was so bad that I couldn't function without. I was prescribed one course of zopiclone (28 tabs) to last throughout pregnancy, and told to avoid wherever possible but take when absolutely needed. I was also told that it is ok to take halve a tablet.
I was actually dependant on zopiclone prior to the pregnancy (unexpected) and really did not think I could cut down, but v slowly reducing the dose worked, cutting tablets to 1/2 and then missing doses, knowing that I might not be able to sleep the night not taking the tablet but allowing myself one for the next night if I hadn't slept.
I took the zopiclone in the first four months. I believe there are some very, very slight risks to the fetus (cleft palate was mentioned), but that the risks are so low that they are only just above baseline figures.
Incidently I had a very loooong labour (8 days) and ended up going in and out of our maternity unit. Several times I was prescribed sleeping tablets to take while in hospital as although the drugs would cross over to the placenta, they were more concerned that I had some rest in order to be able to cope.
Another thing, if you absolutely feel that you cannot cope at the moment and it is causing your depression to return - if you are at work, could you ask your GP to be signed off for a time? When I was early pg like you, and feeling as if things were getting out of control I was told by my GP that I should not be working and was told to just take it very easy and was signed off for 8 days. This made a huge difference to me and I was able to re-establish some natural sleep patterns.
Also, do you have a perinatal mental health team in your area? They are a specialist team dealing with mental health problems in pregnancy and beyond the birth. They are far more informed than adult mental health teams and GP's about medications taken in pregnancy, and there may well be alternatives such as mood stabilisers that you could take. When you have your booking in appt the mw usually refers, but if you are having problems now, I believe you can self refer - it may be an idea to ring your gp urgently and ask them if they can either ring on your behalf or give you a number.
The suggestion about cbt is good too - and the perinatal team or your local adult mental health team will be able to help with this.
And finally congratulations on your pregnancy! You will feel better soon