Can You Use CBD While Pregnant? Important Considerations

Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently gained popularity in the health community for its potential therapeutic benefits. As more people explore CBD products for various health issues, the question many ask is: is it safe to use CBD during pregnancy? This article explores the implications and safety concerns of using CBD for expectant parents. Read on to uncover what you need to know about CBD use during pregnancy and its potential risks and benefits.

Understanding CBD and its uses

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, another compound from the same plant, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect or the 'high' often associated with cannabis. Instead, CBD works within the body’s endocannabinoid system, offering potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, and improving sleep.

The scientific community is still investigating the full range of CBD's effects, and its safety profile and pregnancy are no exception.

Can you use CBD while pregnant?

Current scientific understanding of CBD's effects during pregnancy is very limited. Research on this topic is still in its infancy, and most studies have been conducted on animals rather than humans, so clear claims can’t be made for sure. Therefore, the effects of CBD on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes are not well understood, making it essential to approach CBD use with a high degree of caution, especially during this sensitive life cycle stage.

Potential risks

Using CBD during pregnancy carries many potential risks due to the limited research on its effects on fetal development. While CBD is often promoted for its possible therapeutic benefits, there is significant caution advised for pregnant individuals. The lack of comprehensive studies means the safety of CBD during pregnancy is not well-established, and it may pose unknown risks to the developing fetus.

Studies and findings

Some animal studies have suggested that certain doses of CBD could affect fetal development, potentially leading to long-term effects on the offspring. The International Journal of Andrology published findings that pregnant female mice given a single 50 mg/kg dose of CBD had reproductive side effects in their male offspring. These studies indicate possible risks such as altered brain development, reproductive imbalances, and immune system issues. However, definitive conclusions can’t really be drawn because of the lack of new, comprehensive human studies.

Although there aren’t many studies on CBD use during pregnancy in humans, we do know cannabis use during pregnancy can have some negative impacts. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published that cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been associated with adverse effects such as infants being small for gestational age, preterm births, potential brain and nervous system developmental issues in the fetus, and impaired cognitive and socio-behavioral development in the offspring. These findings are cause for concern as cannabis contains CBD, however, science can’t know for sure without conducting more studies.

Possible long-term effects

The long-term effects on children exposed to CBD while in the uterus are still unknown. Concerns include potential impacts on cognitive development and behavior. Without enough data, it’s difficult to fully understand the implications, highlighting the need for more research.

Archives of Toxicology demonstrated that CBD can potentially interfere with placental development, potentially having significant effects on the developing fetus. Still, the long-term effects of these developmental impacts are unclear.

Recommendations from health authorities

The FDA strongly discourages the use of CBD by pregnant and breastfeeding women due to the lack of sufficient research on its safety. On its website, the FDA advises against using cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Similarly, the CDC recommends avoiding CBD while pregnant and breastfeeding due to the lack of definitive safety data. There is no approved CBD dosage from any regulatory bodies as, again, there is insufficient evidence to support its use during pregnancy.

Pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before considering CBD use to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, especially during prenatal care.

Alternatives to CBD during pregnancy

For those seeking relief from common pregnancy ailments, there are safe, natural remedies to consider outside of CBD. The Journal of Pharmaceutics found that ginger can help with vomiting, and peppermint can help with nausea and upset stomach. Please always consult with healthcare providers before trying new treatments to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

CBD and breastfeeding

Using CBD while breastfeeding poses potential risks to infants as well. CBD can be transferred to the baby through breast milk, and its effects on newborns are not fully known as they have not been thoroughly studied. Health authorities recommend avoiding CBD during breastfeeding to prevent possible harm to the infant.

While CBD may offer potential benefits for various health conditions, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear at best. Given the lack of scientific evidence (especially human studies) and potential risks to fetal development, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid using CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Expectant mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to explore safe and effective alternatives for managing pregnancy-related issues.