CBD for Pregnancy – Is CBD Safe to Use While Pregnant or Nursing?

Cannabidiol, well known as CBD, has gained much traction in the human health and wellness department. People of all ages use CBD oil to improve their general wellness and health condition. It is one of over 120 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. With its emerging popularity, you might be wondering is CBD safe for pregnancy.

Pregnancy brings lots of unpleasant side effects, such as persistent nausea and backache. Normally doctors recommend traditional painkillers and other medications that are no longer safe for your baby’s health. If you are on the hunt to source a natural pain reliever, no need to look further. CBD is an effective natural remedy to manage the symptoms of numerous health conditions, including pain, mood swings, backaches, and pregnancy-related anxiety.

However, before adding CBD to your journey, remember that FDA has not approved cannabidiol-based products, except Epidiolex. If you are interested in trying CBD, be sure to talk to your healthcare professional.

In this article, we will discuss whether CBD is safe for pregnant women or not. Let us begin!

Benefits of CBD:

Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicant cannabinoid that does not cause a high. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not impart euphoria or paranoia among users. Therefore, it has become an appealing option for all users who want to avoid psychoactive THC.

Research about the potential benefits and side effects of CBD is ongoing. However, some recent research studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it is a safe alternative to medications.

Some currently recognized benefits include:

Pain Relief:

A 2017 study indicates that cannabidiol has the potential to manage pain. Its interactions with the endocannabinoid system and its cannabinoid receptors can lower pain perception. That is why people have incorporated CBD oil and other CBD-infused products into their daily regime.

So, CBD can alleviate the:

• Sciatic nerve pain
• Headache
• Chronic cancer pain
• Fibromyalgia

Nausea Relief:

A 2011 study on the regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids shows that CBD is effective. CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain that regulates the serotonin level. Serotonin is responsible for your mood regulation and overall well-being. Despite mood and well-being, it helps provoke nausea when you eat something that disagrees with you.

Improve Sleep & Reduce Anxiety:

A 2019 study explored whether CBD help reduces anxiety and improve sleep. The participants in this study report reduced anxiety levels. Moreover, CBD has the potential to improve sleep quality by regulating melatonin levels.

If you are pregnant, you might have considered trying CBD oil to manage the common symptoms of pregnancy, such as pain, nausea, morning sickness, and anxiety.

Right now, there is very little research that explores CBD oil usage during pregnancy. However, recent research studies are promising. Additionally, WHO has recognized CBD as a safe and well-tolerated cannabinoid. But some experts are considering how CBD might affect the health and development of fetuses.

Why Do Experts Consider CBD Unsafe During Pregnancy?

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CBD does not produce a high like THC. So, a pregnant lady may assume it is safe to use during pregnancy, but experts still recommend avoiding it entirely.

Not only the research about CBD is limited, but some results of research studies have prompted some concerns. For example, a research study on the exposure of CBD during gestation affects sperm count or testicular functions in male rats.

A 2019 study also suggests that fetal exposure to cannabinoids affects immune system development which results in lowering the body’s ability to defend against cancer and infections. Remember that this study focuses on all cannabinoids, not only the CBD.

Moreover, the study notes that cannabinoids work by binding the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The researchers explain that CBD and THC linkage with brain receptors can result in developmental and health consequences during pregnancy.

Contaminated CBD Products Also Poses a Risk:

Some experts suggest that CBD usage during pregnancy or the nursing period can cause risk due to contamination. Currently, the CBD market is unregulated numerous sellers are offering their products without checking the safety and quality of cannabidiol. Though the soaring popularity of CBD makes it easy to find CBD products, it causes some risk.

However, you can source a reputable seller or brand offering a high-quality product. All trusted brand pass their products from third-party labs to ensure the quality and safety of products.

The lab report shows:

• Ingredients
• Amount of THC
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides
• Source of hemp

All these factors report that CBD products are of high quality.

If your selected CBD products contain THC, avoid using them. Research studies indicate that THC usage may:

• Affect academic achievement later in life
• Increase the risk of autism
• Learning disorder
• Intellectual disabilities

Other Side Effects to Consider:

If you are considering CBD for pregnancy, be sure to determine its side effects. CBD and drug interaction results in the following few side effects:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Appetite change

CBD can interact with medications. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor before using CBD. These side effects might not seem all that alarming, particularly when you are experiencing pain, persistent pregnancy sickness, or lack of sleep. But again, one of the biggest concerns around CBD use in pregnancy stems from the lack of research.

Getting Supports:

Pregnancy causes plenty of physical discomforts, including nausea that may clear up after a few months. However, pain, insomnia, and anxiety can linger throughout pregnancy. It is best to explain these symptoms with your care team to combat this period. Your care team may recommend some home remedies to help ease pregnancy-related symptoms.

The Bottom Line:

CBD for pregnancy may seem safe and help ease all the symptoms, but it may not be suitable for your fetal health. You might feel tempted to turn to CBD to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy, but for the moment, experts caution against using any cannabis product during pregnancy.

Your healthcare professional can offer more recommendations for safe alternatives to manage medical and mental health symptoms during pregnancy.