Is CBD oil safe during pregnancy? In recent years, CBD has taken the alternative therapy and natural remedy market by storm. CBD oil, in particular, is receiving much attention as a potential treatment for a range of physical and mental ailments. In addition to being a suitable remedy for chronic pain, anxiety, depression and many more conditions, CBD oil has also been found to help improve symptoms of insomnia and help users cope with mood swings. With more people turning to CBD to alleviate the symptoms of various mental and physical conditions, those who are pregnant may begin to wonder if this natural, plant-based substance could be useful for them. We look at the research to see whether you can use CBD when pregnant.
Table of Contents
CBD and pregnancy
Currently, researchers don’t know enough about CBD and its effects on fetal health and development. Of the available research, there are some concerns over pregnant people using CBD products. In the UK, regulators in the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have cautioned against using CBD products when pregnant and breastfeeding.
However, as no studies have been done on human pregnant people, it is inconclusive whether CBD is safe to use when pregnant. Further, it is unethical to conduct studies on unborn babies, therefore the data that can be collected when looking at the effects of CBD on pregnancy is limited.
Although, a study on mice suggests that CBD may have a lasting impact on offspring, into adulthood. Also, during early pregnancy, one-time exposure to cannabinoids in mice has been shown to cause growth issues in a developing embryo. Therefore, caution is advised when consuming CBD products when pregnant. Always consult your medical professional for advice.
Benefits of CBD for pregnancy
Whilst further research is needed, CBD has been found to show positive effects for a range of conditions. For pregnant people what may be of particular interest is CBD’s ability to help with pain, and nausea, aid with sleep and reduce anxiety.
CBD has been shown to help with pain relief. Studies using animals have shown that CBD lowered nerve pain and reduced inflammation. As well as, helping to lower pain after surgery. A 2018 study showed that CBD helped treat chronic pain. See our article on CBD’s efficacy for chronic pain, for more information.
Research on animals has indicated that CBD can be effective in reducing nausea.
Further, a 2019 study explored CBD efficacy for sleep and anxiety problems. The study found that after 1 month, 79% of participants said they had reduced anxiety levels, and 66% reported that they had experienced better sleep.
Insomnia, pain, nausea, morning sickness and anxiety are common symptoms when pregnant. Using CBD has shown to be effective in treating these issues. However, as little research has been conducted examining the use of CBD when pregnant, it is hard to say how CBD may affect the fetus, despite the potential advantages of CBD on pregnancy symptoms.
Top CBD Oils
2000mg CBD Oil Full Spectrum
Key Benefits:
- Reduce suffering from chronic conditions
- Help with sleep problems
- Reduce anxiety
- Alleviate pain
3000mg CBD Oil UK Full Spectrum
Key Benefits:
- Sourced from nature – our hemp plants are grown using organic methods
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil gives you the full range of therapeutic compounds from the hemp plant
- 30% CBD Oil may help if you are suffering from chronic conditions such as pain, problems sleeping, and anxiety.
Risks of CBD when pregnant
People who are pregnant may accidentally consume contaminated CBD products. Low-quality CBD products that cannot be verified that they have been tested by independent laboratories for contaminants, like mold or, pesticides, populate searches for CBD products. Therefore, there is a risk of pregnant people consuming harmful substances. See our guide on where to buy CBD for best practices on finding high-quality CBD products.
Some CBD products may also contain small, trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis that produces the ‘high’. These traces are dangerous for pregnant people as they could still be passed onto the baby. Scientists strongly advise against consuming THC products when pregnant or breastfeeding as cannabis has been reported to lead to behavioral and cognitive performance issues, as well as affect the child’s neurodevelopment.
Although, these studies are mostly causational in nature, suggesting an increased risk but no definitive proof. There may also be other factors influencing the result, such as the frequency of use, and the potency of the products.
CBD use also has some side effects, such as fatigue, appetite changes and diarrhoea. Although minimal, these side effects in addition to pregnancy symptoms may be uncomfortable for some people.
In addition, depending on what medications they are taking, pregnant people may be advised against using CBD products. As CBD can interact with some medications. See our guide for what drugs should not be taken with CBD oil for more information.
CBD when pregnant?
Overall, scientists don’t yet know enough about how CBD affects pregnant people and fetal health and development. CBD may be beneficial for some of the symptoms of pregnancy. There are also important risks pregnant people should be aware of when consuming CBD products, such as the quality of the product, the side effects and what medications they are taking. Until more research is conducted on human participants, it is difficult to say if pregnant people should, or shouldn’t use CBD.
If you are experiencing difficulty when pregnant, it is best to speak to your medical practitioner for advice on how to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Don't panic if you use CBD regularly or if you happen to have a positive pregnancy test. Marco Mouanness MD, an OB/GYN, and fertility expert at The Rejuvenating Fertility Centre in New York City, says you should be fine. He recommends that you stop using CBD and consult your OB/GYN to monitor your progress.
CBD Oil is increasingly being used for many reasons, including pain relief, nausea suppression, anxiety, and a good night's rest. A pregnant mother might consider CBD Oil for its side effects. Is CBD Oil safe for pregnancy? It is not.
CBD (cannabidiol), has been a media darling. The chemical is claimed to be effective in relieving pain, anxiety, Parkinson's and other conditions. There are many ways to get CBD, and CBD shops have sprouted all over. Many are now wondering if CBD is safe for pregnant women.
Experts recommend that CBD be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of it entering the placenta. However, this advice is typically for ingestible CBD forms that circulate in the bloodstream.
TOP SEARCHES:
Is CBD Oil Good For Anxiety UK | Is CBD Oil Good For Arthritis | Full Spectrum Vs Broad Spectrum CBD For Anxiety | Hemp Vs CBD Oil | Hemp Oil Vs CBD Oil | What Medications Should Not Be Taken With CBD? | Countries Where CBD Is Legal | Why Put Drops Under Tongue | Does CBD Improve Libido | Organic CBD Massage Oil | Massage Oil Sensual | Sensual Oil
Disclaimer: Despite the general safety of CBD products, minimal side effects can occur, especially at the first use. Contact your medical professional for advice.
