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Hi Doc - I Am 17 Weeks Pregnant And I

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Posted on Thu, 4 Apr 2019
Question: Hi doc - I am 17 weeks pregnant and I am struggling with severe insomnia - it is very very debilitating for me. My doctor said I could take my perscription for ambien "as needed" but I feel I need to take it nightly. I don't want to harm the baby but I am desperate for it. I have tried over the counter things but they do not work for me. Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
feedback, hot milk before bedtime.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there
I welcome you to HCM virtual clinic.
I have understood your concern and I will suggest you the best possible treatment options.

First of all do not panic.
Your concern about harm caused to the baby with the use of sleeping pills is absolutely correct.

I would like to know about few things in detail.
1. Are you following regularl exercise regime?
2. Are you taking your meals regularly?
3. What time do you have your dinner?
4.Do you take afternoon nap?
5. Are you taking any supplements?

Till then, you can try having a glass of hot milk, if possible before going to bed. This helps many patients to get good sleep at night.

Please feel free to communicate with me again.
Your inputs will help me to suggest you better treatment options.

I hope this answer helps you.
Thanks.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar (33 minutes later)
Yes

I exercise and take vitamins and do not nap.

I just suffer from chronic insomnia. My doc said the ambien was ok.

What do you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Try other therapies, before ambien

Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for appreciating the answer and reverting back to me.
I have gone through your reply.

As per my opinion, Ambien is category C drug, as far as pregnancy is considered.
It is short acting agent useful to induce sleep.
But safety in human pregnancy is not established.

It should be used with caution, only if benefits outweigh the risks.
Please use it with full discussion with your treating doctor.

I will suggest use of traditional herbs like Brahmi.
Syrup or Tablet Mentat at bedtime will be of help.
Also, meditation and behavioral therapy is found to be helpful in such cases


I hope this answer helps you.
Thanks.
Please feel free to communicate with me again.
Thanks.
Dr.
Purushottam Neurgaonkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar

OBGYN

Practicing since :1992

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Hi Doc - I Am 17 Weeks Pregnant And I

Brief Answer: feedback, hot milk before bedtime. Detailed Answer: Hi there I welcome you to HCM virtual clinic. I have understood your concern and I will suggest you the best possible treatment options. First of all do not panic. Your concern about harm caused to the baby with the use of sleeping pills is absolutely correct. I would like to know about few things in detail. 1. Are you following regularl exercise regime? 2. Are you taking your meals regularly? 3. What time do you have your dinner? 4.Do you take afternoon nap? 5. Are you taking any supplements? Till then, you can try having a glass of hot milk, if possible before going to bed. This helps many patients to get good sleep at night. Please feel free to communicate with me again. Your inputs will help me to suggest you better treatment options. I hope this answer helps you. Thanks. Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar