Is CBD Safe for Pregnant Women?

Considering the skyrocketing popularity of CBD products, many expectant mothers are wondering if it is safe to take them while pregnant. CBD products are everywhere – from topical gels and oils to gummies and even edible products. However, very little research has been conducted on the effects of CBD on pregnant women or on the developing fetus.

At this time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not released any official recommendations regarding the use of CBD during pregnancy. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only issued a statement strongly advising against it – no regulations have been implemented. However, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid using any type of cannabis product, including CBD, due to the potential risks involved.

Below, we dive deeper into what is currently known about CBD and pregnancy, as well as the potential risks associated with its use.

What May Be the Potential Benefits?

CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that has been shown to offer a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep. There are also unique advantages it can bring to women. That’s why PureGanix offers CBD for women – and they are not the only brand to do so.

As such, pregnant women may be tempted to take CBD in hopes of managing pregnancy-related symptoms or discomfort.

Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. CBD oil has been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting in people undergoing cancer treatment. Some expectant mothers may hope that CBD will have a similar effect.

CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This may lead some pregnant women to try CBD oil or topical products to relieve pregnancy-related aches and pains, such as lower back pain.

Moreover, many pregnant women struggle with hormonal changes, insomnia, and anxiety. CBD has been shown to help improve sleep and reduce anxiety in people with conditions like insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder. As such, some pregnant women may turn to CBD products in an effort to improve their sleep or reduce anxiety levels.

What Are the Potential Risks?

While CBD is generally considered to be safe, there is currently a lack of research on its safety during pregnancy. This lack of research means that we don’t fully understand the potential risks associated with taking CBD while pregnant.

CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants contain over 100 different compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD. THC is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD does not produce this psychoactive effect.

While CBD is thought to be safe, it is important to remember that it is a potent compound. When taken in high doses, it can cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and decreased appetite. It may also interact with certain medications.

Additionally, very little research has been conducted on the effects of CBD on the developing fetus. We do know that THC can cross the placenta and enter the bloodstream of the developing fetus. It is unclear if CBD has this same ability.

A study conducted in 2019 suggested that CBD and other cannabinoids, when taken by a pregnant woman, can affect the baby’s immune system development and harm its ability to defend itself against infections and some serious conditions like even cancer.

The Risk of Low-Quality CBD Products

If you take CBD while pregnant, it’s not only the effects of CBD itself that you need to worry about – it’s also crucial to be aware that the quality of CBD products can vary widely.

Apart from one epilepsy drug, no CBD products are currently approved by the FDA. This means that the majority of CBD products on the market are not subject to FDA regulation. As such, they may be of low quality and may not contain the amount of CBD listed on the label. In fact, one study found that only 31% of CBD products are properly and accurately labeled.

Moreover, this lack of regulation means that there are many unscrupulous companies selling subpar products. Some of these products may be contaminated with heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. Others may contain THC, even if it is not listed on the label.

Look for Professional Help If You Struggle With Pregnancy-Related Issues

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but it can also be a difficult one. Many women struggle with pregnancy-related issues like nausea, vomiting, aches and pains, anxiety, and insomnia. If you are struggling with any of these issues, it’s important to seek professional help.

Your doctor or midwife can offer guidance and support. They can also help you find safe and effective ways to manage your symptoms. For example, ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea. Acupuncture and massage can also be helpful in relieving pain. And there are many safe and effective medications available for anxiety.

CBD may offer some potential benefits, but the lack of research means that we don’t fully understand the risks. And you certainly don’t want to put your baby’s health in jeopardy.

The Bottom Line

At this time, we don’t know enough about CBD to say definitively whether or not it is safe for pregnant women to take. Given the lack of research, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid using CBD products.

Additionally, women who are breastfeeding should be advised against using CBD products as well, as it is unclear if CBD could be passed through breast milk to the nursing child.

If you struggle with pregnancy-related nausea, anxiety, or pain, talk to your doctor about safe and effective treatment options.