Wellness Hub for Women

Is It Safe to Take Unisom During Pregnancy?

Between morning sickness and general discomfort, sleep can be elusive during pregnancy. Unisom is an over-the-counter sleep aid that is often recommended by doctors for pregnant women, but it's important to know which kind is considered safe.

The Key Ingredient: Doxylamine Succinate

The form of Unisom that is widely considered safe and is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for treating nausea and vomiting is Unisom SleepTabs, which contains the active ingredient doxylamine succinate. This is a Category A drug, meaning adequate studies in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk to the fetus.

Important: Other Unisom products, like SleepGels, contain a different active ingredient (diphenhydramine), which is generally considered safe but has been studied less extensively. Always check the label for "doxylamine succinate."

Using Unisom for Morning Sickness

Doctors often recommend combining Unisom SleepTabs (doxylamine) with vitamin B6 to combat morning sickness. This combination is the active ingredient in the prescription drug Diclegis. The typical recommendation is:

• Half a 25mg Unisom SleepTab at night.
• 25mg of Vitamin B6 three times a day.

Using Unisom for Sleep

For insomnia, taking a whole or half Unisom SleepTab before bed can help you get to sleep. However, it can cause significant drowsiness the next day, so it's best to start with a small dose.

Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy, including over-the-counter products like Unisom. They can give you the correct dosage and confirm that it's the right choice for you and your specific health situation.