Placenta may be a melatonin factory in pregnancy, tiny study hints

NCT ID NCT03609086

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Aberdeen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether the placenta produces the high levels of melatonin seen in late pregnancy. Researchers measured melatonin in the blood of 15 women before and after a planned C-section, and in the umbilical cord and placenta. The goal was to understand where the melatonin comes from and if it could one day be used to spot pregnancy problems like pre-eclampsia.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help understand why melatonin rises in pregnancy and whether it can be used as a marker for pregnancy complications.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 15 women, so results may not apply to all pregnancies. It only measures levels, not treatments.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PREGNANCY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Ellon, Lowland Scotland, AB25 2ZB, United Kingdom
University of Aberdeen/NHS Grampian

Aberdeen, If Already Stated Select NOT Listed, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom

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