Sleeping pills (Ambien) and pregnancy

[Lisa1970]

I have sleep problems. I have had them all my life. I have been to sleep clinic 3 times already. The only solution ever offered to me was sleeping pills. SO, for ten years now, or more, I alternate between a variety of sleep medications so as to not get a resistance. Well, while pregnant, I can only take Ambien and Benedryl (btw, I cannot get the italics to turn off, so, the rest of this post will be in italics I guess).

SO, (got it to turn off, but won't let me not have the above in italics, ugggh!), I have a hard time with benedryl. I was born with kidney issues and if I take benedryl much, I have to go to the bathroom constantly. I am talking every 10-30 minutes during the night. So, I might be tired, but I have to go so bad that I spend the night in the bathroom anyway. That leaves me with only Ambien. But when I went to pick up my Ambien refill tonight, the pharmacist told me it is not supposed to happen in pregnancy! Apparently, the doctor, or his nurse or something (my regular doctor prescribes it) even wrote on the prescription not to take it if pregnant. The doctor looks it up and it is class C.

I generally avoid medications big time while pregnant. But when I take nothing, I simply do not sleep. I have gone long enough without sleep that I ended up vomiting and dehydrated while pregnant before. So, the OB told me it was fine to take while pregnant and I still take it. That was a few pregnancies ago.

WWYD? Thanks in advance for the help!

[Jaimee]

Have you tried Unisom (doxylamine)?  It's category B and Dr.Hale said he considered it category A.   Maybe ask you doctor about it?

Also, I know you've been dealing with this a long time so forgive me if this is an annoying suggestion, but have you tried acupuncture or chiropractic therapy?

[Lisa1970]

I have a chiropractor. I never have brought up the sleep issues with him though. I have never tried accupuncture.