Can You Use CBD While Pregnant? [Risks, Side Effects, Etc.]

Many of you have already heard of CBD-containing products. It’s been popularized because it’s believed to be a natural way of relieving symptoms and ailments.

Additionally, there are a lot of claims about its benefits among pregnant women. CBD is said to improve sleep and relieve queasiness, vomiting, and discomfort during pregnancy.

But do these claims hold true to the nature of CBD? Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to use? 

In this article, we will answer all of your CBD-related questions and explore its risks and side effects. 

Sit back and keep reading as we walk you through the important facts about CBD. 

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for “cannabidiol,” a compound found in the cannabis plant, along with THC. Commonly, it is derived from either marijuana or hemp plants. 

CBD is just one of the many compounds (cannabinoids) found in a cannabis plant. But, it does not have that high effect similar to THC. 

A lot of people and brands have been claiming the advantages of using CBD-infused products, like CBD oil. 

They believe it can be used for queasiness, morning sickness, and chronic discomfort relief, especially for pregnant mothers. 

However, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States strongly advises mothers to refrain from using CBD oil and other products with CBD (more on this later).

What Are the Ingredients Found in CBD?

There are many types of CBD products that have grown popular among its consumers. However, a lot has been fond of CBD oil tinctures. 

Primarily, CBD oil tinctures contain cannabidiol derived from the entire cannabis plant. That’s why in some products, you can see bits and pieces of leaves. 

Aside from this, it’s also mixed with other ingredients that bind it into the oil. But commonly, you can find different types of cannabinoids for added effect:

• Cannabichromene (CBC) – CBC is a cannabinoid believed to work with receptors and regulate body temperature. It’s commonly used to relieve menopausal women from hot flashes.
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) – THCV is nearly similar to THC. The only difference is the missing carbon atoms in its alkyl chain. Contrary to THC, THCV does not have psychoactive effects on its users. Hence, taking it doesn’t make you feel high. 
• Cannabinol (CBN) – CBN is derived by oxidizing THC, which reduces the ability to produce a high. Hence, it’s known to be a weaker counterpart of THC. Yet, it can still have a mild psychoactive effect when taken in high doses. 
• Cannabigerol (CBG) – CBG is known to be the parent molecule of many cannabinoids. It binds other compounds found in CBD oil together. 

Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use CBD During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be a fun, exciting, and frightening experience all at once.

While it gives joy to mothers as they anticipate their newborn, it may also accompany UNBEARABLE symptoms like bad mood, sad mood, queasiness, and discomfort. 

You may find yourself looking for ways to relieve or treat rare and common symptoms of pregnancy. 

Some mothers keep in touch with their OB-GYN to seek medical care. But, others resort to alternatives like CBD products. 

But the big question is: Is CBD safe for pregnant mothers?

Despite the claims of CBD brands that CBD can provide relief for pregnant moms, it’s NOT approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

But it’s still NOT an assurance that this cannabinoid is safe, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. 

The FDA strongly advises mothers to refrain from using CBD and cannabis products in general since there is no in-depth research studying its effects.

To this date, the FDA continues to seek and gather enough scientific data on the probable effects of CBD on an unborn or breastfed child and the pregnant mom.

What Do Experts Say About the Use of CBD During Pregnancy?

While there are many attempts to study the effects of CBD in humans, there is still a lack of comprehensive research studying CBD in this area. 

Most studies exploring the efficacy of CBD have utilized pregnant test animals. Yet, instead of efficacy, these studies posed more concerns about the cannabinoid. 

A study conducted in 1986 discovered the effects of maternal cannabinoid exposure on male offspring. 

It was later discovered that, after birth, the reproductive system of male rats, specifically their sperm count and testicular function, were NEGATIVELY impacted.

No further studies were made to back this up. However, this could also signify that it can affect the developing male fetuses’ reproductive system and its function. 

Literature also mentioned that exposure of pregnant patients to CBD poses harmful effects to the developing fetus. 

It was discovered that CBD could impact the development of the developing fetus’ immune function. This also affects their ability to fight against diseases and infections as they mature. 

Besides this, many are CONCERNED about the components included in CBD products. Some were tested to contain mold, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants which may affect the mother and baby. 

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil While Pregnant?

As previously mentioned, CBD oil is one of the most used forms of cannabidiol to provide relief to several ailments.

A pregnant mother can also resort to using CBD oil for queasiness and discomfort relief and improve their sleep. They believe that CBD is a natural way to eliminate these unwanted symptoms.

But is CBD oil safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers? The answer is NO.

FDA strongly advises mothers to NOT use CBD oil and other cannabis products while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

It’s believed that pregnant mothers can experience severe forms of pregnancy sickness despite people’s claims that it can relieve them. Other effects of CBD due to high consumption may also include:

• Stomach disorder
• Queasiness and dizziness
• Worn out
• Dry mouth

Additionally, CBD can interact with any non-prescription and prescription drug. Hence, if your doctor advises you to use a prescription drug, it’s best to stay away from CBD oil. 

What Are the Potential Risks and Benefits of CBD Use for Pregnant Women?

Many women like to use CBD during pregnancy.

Even if health practitioners provide medicines to help treat or relieve pregnancy symptoms, some still look for plant-based alternatives. 

But is CBD oil safe to replace medically-approved drugs? If not, why do women still use CBD products for this cause?

Benefits of CBD Use During Pregnancy

Commonly, pregnant mothers seek CBD-containing products as “natural” alternatives to potentially relieve or suppress:

• queasiness
• Cramps
• Sleeping problems
• Moodiness
• Headaches

It’s also believed to help with boosting immunity and relieve discomfort. But, extensive research is still needed to prove these claims.

Possible Risks of CBD Use During Pregnancy

Even if CBD potentially relieves these symptoms and claims to have potential therapeutic uses, we still DON’T recommend CBD in your treatment plan as a pregnant mother.

It still brings a potential risk to the mother and child.

In some instances, consuming high doses of CBD products, like CBD oils, does not directly affect the mother but the offspring. 

As discovered in animal studies, maternal cannabinoid exposure has caused problems in the reproductive functioning of a mother’s male offspring. 

There are no in-depth studies about the effects of CBD on the mother’s milk production and how much CBD in human milk harms the baby. But, the FDA strongly advises against its use during pregnancy.

There’s a tendency that the CBD will be passed on to the baby through breast milk. Derivatives from CBD are also believed to stay in breast milk for up to six days.

As people raise concerns about CBD having heavy metals, fungus, and other contaminants, there’s a possibility that the baby will ingest these harmful substances.

Other serious risks that may be related to CBD-use during pregnancy are:

• Liver toxicity
• Extreme sleepiness
• Interactions with other drugs

Additional Things to Remember When Dealing With CBD Products When Pregnant

You should also understand that CBD is one of the many cannabis products.

Even if using CBD doesn’t equally translate to marijuana use, it can still have its share of risks, especially to fetal health.

Taking CBD while pregnant may also accompany the risk of fetal exposure to THC. Hence, we don’t eliminate similar risks like those associated with marijuana use and substance use.

If peer-reviewed studies prove that THC is present in CBD-containing products, it’s also possible that it may cause:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Neurological disorders

All these potential effects of CBD use, especially if the product contains THC, pose a SERIOUS THREAT to a person’s entire life.

That’s why we think taking medicines from health professionals is better than CBD.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we were able to thoroughly discuss all things to learn about CBD — what it is, what it does, and if it’s safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms and their children. 

But, if you still have questions, don’t worry! We’re here to answer more of your questions for you:

Can You Take CBD While Pregnant for queasiness?

Among CBD’s other benefits, potentially suppressing queasiness is one of the most common reasons why pregnant moms like using it. 

In fact, as published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, cannabinoids play a role in regulating queasiness and vomiting. 

Now, this may sound like good news, especially for women who are pregnant. But, you should also consider its possible risks to you and your baby. 

The FDA strongly advises mothers to REFRAIN from using CBD because there is not enough scientific data to prove that it’s safe for humans, especially pregnant moms. 

It’s probably better to ask for safe alternatives from your OB-GYN to treat queasiness and vomiting during pregnancy.

Does CBD Affect Female Fertility?

There is no scientific research saying that CBD can affect female fertility. However, it’s said that receptors were found in the female reproductive tract. 

Hence, there are also claims that CBD may be a natural way to improve or boost the fertility of women. But, this theory still needs more support for it to be proven as fact. 

Conclusion

CBD is derived from the marijuana or hemp plant. It has been considered a natural way of relieving cramps, queasiness, moodiness, headaches, and sleeping problems during pregnancy. 

However, despite these claims, we’ve discovered that CBD products, like CBD oil, are NOT considered safe, especially for pregnant women.

It may interact negatively with other drugs, and it has the potential to cause liver toxicity and extreme sleepiness. In addition, CBD can potentially carry THC, which can harm fetal health.

Even with its claimed benefits, it still doesn’t guarantee its safety. Due to its lack of scientific evidence, CBD remains a significant cause of concern for many people. 

Although there’s an FDA-approved drug for seizure disorders that has CBD as its active ingredient, FDA still advises mothers to refrain from using it during pregnancy. 

Its lack of evidence would also signify that there’s no solid proof to say it’s effective. And worse, we don’t know how bad it can affect the mother and baby.If you really want to use CBD during pregnancy, it’s best to consult with your doctor first.