CBD and Pregnancy: Potential Risks and Benefits

Time to read 5 min

"Safety is, as always, a crucial concern when you’re consuming anything that may affect the health of your baby. By clarifying what’s officially proven and what’s not yet researched, we hope to give new moms a safe, responsible, and informed take on CBD.”

Can I Safely Take CBD While Pregnant?

We prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers, especially those who are expecting or are pregnant. While there is a growing interest in using CBD to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms, it is important to note that research on the effects of CBD during pregnancy is still limited.

Additionally, it's important to note that while we believe the following article contains valuable information for pregnant individuals, it is ultimately up to each person to make an informed decision about whether or not to use CBD during pregnancy. We encourage all readers to do their own research and make an informed decision that is best for their individual needs and circumstances.

Can CBD Help Relieve Pregnancy-Related Symptoms?

CBD can provide benefits and has the potential to alleviate many of the unpleasant symptoms that you may experience during pregnancy, including:

Morning Sickness
Insomnia
Anxiety and Mood Swings
Post-Partum

Can CBD help with morning sickness?

CBD has been shown to ease or eliminate nausea and vomiting in clinical trials. CBD has been shown to function as an antiemetic agent that reduces or eliminates nausea and prevents vomiting.

CBD has shown promise in helping to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. One study conducted in 2014 found that CBD helped to reduce vomiting and nausea in rats exposed to motion sickness-inducing stimuli. Another study in 2018 found that CBD helped to reduce symptoms of motion sickness in human subjects.

Studies show that CBD agonizes the CB1 receptors in the brain, and in doing so, suppresses vomiting.

Can CBD Help Insomnia?

CBD has been shown to improve sleep and establish healthy sleeping patterns —CBD regulates our circadian rhythms or sleep-wake patterns, setting our “internal body clock” to appropriate times for sleeping and waking up.

A study conducted in 2019 found that CBD may have therapeutic potential for people with insomnia, and could potentially improve sleep quality and reduce the number of times a person wakes up during the night.

CBD may also have an impact on the sleep cycle itself, increasing the amount of deep, restorative sleep while reducing the amount of REM sleep, which is associated with more vivid dreams. The Study is found here.

Can CBD Help with Anxiety and Mood?

Studies have shown that CBD can have a calming effect on the body, which may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. In a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, 72 adults with anxiety and sleep problems were given CBD. After the first month, anxiety scores decreased for most patients and sleep scores improved for nearly all patients.

CBD works to relieve anxiety by boosting levels of anandamide (the “bliss-chemical”) to promote balance and nip anxiety in the bud.

CBD may help regulate the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production and balance in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for women who may experience hormonal imbalances during different stages of their reproductive lives.

CBD may also have an impact on the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, which can contribute to mood imbalances and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2020 found that CBD may have the potential as a treatment for anxiety disorders.

Can CBD help with postpartum symptoms?

Studies have suggested that CBD may have a positive impact on anxiety and depression, which are common postpartum symptoms. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain that regulate mood and can help to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is often low in those with anxiety and depression.

CBD may also help with pain and inflammation. Some women experience physical discomfort and pain during and after childbirth, and CBD has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate these symptoms.

Another potential benefit of CBD for postpartum symptoms is its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep. This is important as sleep disturbances are common during the postpartum period, and lack of sleep can exacerbate other symptoms like anxiety and depression.

What Are The Potential Risks of Taking CBD While Pregnant?

Studies on CBD use during pregnancy are still limited, and there is not enough data to conclusively determine the safety of CBD during pregnancy.

It is also important to note that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been shown to have more significant negative effects on fetal development than CBD.

Can taking CBD while pregnant affect the baby's development? Some studies on animals have shown that CBD may interfere with normal fetal development, such as the formation of the nervous system and brain. We also do know that CBD does through the placenta and into the fetal bloodstream.
How much CBD is safe to take during pregnancy? While some animal studies suggest that low doses of CBD may be safe for pregnant women, there is still not enough research to determine a safe and effective dose.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks of taking CBD during pregnancy, it is important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before using any CBD products.

Topical or Ingested CBD: Which Is Safer During Pregnancy?

Some experts suggest that topical application of CBD may be preferable for pregnant women compared to ingestion. This is because topical application does not allow the compound to enter the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of potential effects on the developing fetus. Moreover, a topical application may provide more targeted relief for specific areas of discomfort, such as sore muscles or joint pain.

Are CBD Suppositories Safer for Pregnancy?

While there is limited research on the use of CBD suppositories during pregnancy, some women may consider this option as an alternative to topical or oral CBD.

Suppositories are inserted into the vagina or rectum, allowing for direct absorption of the compound into the bloodstream. This may provide more targeted and long-lasting relief for pregnancy-related symptoms such as pelvic pain, inflammation, and hemorrhoids.

However, it is important to note that there is still limited research on the safety and effectiveness of CBD suppositories during pregnancy, and women should discuss this option with their healthcare provider before use.

Are There Any Human Studies on CBD During Pregnancy?

Currently, there is no existing research regarding the safety of using CBD during pregnancy. While it is known that CBD can be passed on to the baby, through the bloodstream, it is unclear whether it poses a risk to their health.

Unlike THC, which has been shown to be harmful to children, the effects of CBD are not yet fully understood. However, with growing interest in CBD from expectant mothers, it is likely that more research will be conducted in the future.

It is important to note that we are not medical professionals and this article is not intended to provide medical advice. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare provider before using CBD during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby, as well as to comply with any relevant laws and regulations.