Can you take CBD oil while pregnant? CBD Oil is has become a popular product for a variety of issues, from relief from discomforts, suppressing nausea, and anxious thoughts, even to help to get a restful night’s sleep. It’s understandable that a pregnant mom would consider taking CBD oil for pregnancy’s side effects. But is CBD Oil safe during pregnancy? Read more in this article to find out!
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. CBD is one of the many compounds, known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids occur naturally in the cannabis or hemp plant. CBD doesn’t contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so it doesn’t give you the intoxicating “high” feeling associated with recreational or medical marijuana. CBD oil is extracted and refined using a CO2 extraction method. Many people use CBD for its reported medical and recreational uses. It stands out from the rest of the cannabinoids because it delivers many potential benefits without fears of psychoactive effects, unlike THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid that’s responsible for the “high” experienced by marijuana users. CBD comes in many forms, including oils, gummies, soft gels, and topical preparations for use on the skin.
What do we know about CBD and pregnancy?
There is no extensive research studying the effects of CBD on a developing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed baby. The FDA is continuing to collect and study the data on the possible harmful effects of CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There is a potential for CBD products to be contaminated with substances that may pose a risk to the fetus or breastfed baby, including THC and other contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria. There are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing CBD.
It is illegal for doctors to prescribe CBD to any person. However, they can help you reach an informed personal decision regarding whether or not you should use a CBD product. This is due to CBD not being an FDA-approved product or medication. With other medications, there is an ample amount of research and proof through studies that show their effectiveness, side effects, and how long-term usage affects the body. However, concerning CBD there is not enough research for a doctor to prescribe CBD. Physicians should always be open to discussing the use of CBD oil benefits and risks with the patient to help them make an informed decision. This goes for normal patients and pregnant women.
Why do some pregnant women choose to take CBD oil?
Pregnancy, in all its beauty, places a lot of stress on the human body. There are several side effects pregnant women may experience that can impact their daily life. Some side effects are more severe than others. For example, a common side effect, that a large number of women experience during pregnancy is hyperemesis gravidarum or excessive morning sickness.
This condition can be debilitating, making it nearly impossible to carry out daily tasks. Additionally, frequent vomiting can easily result in dehydration. This of which is a dangerous situation for both the mother and baby. There are medications available for this condition, but most of them come with their own set of negative side effects.
One such medication that doctors frequently prescribe stops the feeling of nausea by acting directly on the nausea receptors in the brain. The problem is that it also causes side effects such as insomnia, dizziness, blurred vision, and anxiety. It merely shifts the problem from nausea to something else.
CBD is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to medications like this for expectant mothers. It offers many of the same benefits of reducing nausea symptoms as prescribed medications without the negative side effects.
In fact, CBD actually addresses many of the side effects anti-nausea medications produce, including anxious thoughts and insomnia.
There are a number of different reasons why pregnant women are seeking out CBD-infused products to support various symptoms throughout the course of their pregnancy.
The most common reasons pregnant women may consider using CBD supplements:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Cramping
- Sleeping problems
- Stress
- Inflammatory conditions
- Migraine headaches
- Mood disorders
- Hormone-induced acne
- Anxious thoughts
- Discomforts
There are well over 67 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Only a small handful of them are psychoactive. This includes THC, being the primary psychoactive component.
The effects of Cannabinoids on a fetus
The first thing we need to make clear here is that THC-containing products, like marijuana, both recreational and medical, are not safe to use in any form, during pregnancy. There’s evidence that suggests smoking marijuana during pregnancy results in a lowered birth weight and can cause delays in fetal brain development.
When we smoke marijuana or use products that contain THC, we have to remember that this compound is going to pass straight through the placental barrier and interact with our baby’s brain and body.
This goes for most other supplements women may take during their pregnancy. Everything we put into our bodies will ultimately reach the baby.
CBD & Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids during pregnancy?
There are expert scientists and physicians who are hesitant to recommend CBD during pregnancy but this is not because the compound is inherently dangerous in a way. This is due to the fact, there is not an adequate amount of anecdotal evidence and preliminary research indicating that CBD or other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are indeed safe to use during pregnancy. The hesitation of CBD comes purely from the lack of research available on the topic.
Currently, there is no long-term research available, exploring whether CBD oil or other cannabinoids are safe and effective during pregnancy. However, there is no research that proves this compound is dangerous either. This is a topic that has been relatively ignored despite the widespread interest in cannabis research in the past. Without the research to prove that CBD is safe and effective during various stages of pregnancy, most experts will err on the side of caution and avoid it.
This lack of pregnancy-specific research is common when it comes to health supplements. Many supplements thought to be safe and effective are generally avoided anyway simply due to the lack of research.
How to use CBD safely during pregnancy
- It is also important to remain transparent with your doctor about any health supplement you plan on taking. Pregnancy is a very complex process. There are a vast number of individual factors to consider depending on other medical conditions you may have, and what medications you might be taking. Your doctor has the medical knowledge to decide whether CBD is appropriate for you and your individual case.
- Start with a low dose. When it comes to using a health supplement during pregnancy, the key is to always start with the lowest possible dose, and build it up gradually until you reach the recommended dosage. This allows you to determine how it is making your body feel.
- Keep Notes on Your Doses and Progress. One of the best steps you can take when introducing a new supplement or medication in your health regimen is to take notes of your dose and how you respond to it during the course of your treatment. This will help you and your medical doctor or gynecologist understand how the CBD or other supplement is working or if it is not working at all.
- Only Use High-Quality Products. Many health supplements are not F.D.A. regulated, meaning that virtually anybody can buy the raw materials and put together a health supplement. This leaves a lot of room for low-quality products on the market. Some of which contain harmful compounds you wouldn’t want to bring anywhere near your baby. In the case of CBD oils, the biggest problem is the contamination of heavy metals, pesticides, and organic solvents. All of these things can be harmful to the health of your baby.
Always buy CBD from a reputable company
Currently, the FDA does not regulate CBD products, so it is up to the buyer to do research and choose a premium quality product. To ensure the product is of high quality, check to see if it has a certificate of analysis or COA. The COA will give you the exact information as to what ingredients are in the CBD and how much of each ingredient is in the product.
CBD companies and stores that offer third-party testing results, offer unbiased and neutral information about each of their products. Third-party testing facilities analyze the CBD product using high-tech equipment such as liquid chromatography to see exactly what is in the product. Third-party test results also report the presence of different cannabinoids, terpenes, metals, bacteria, and also each one’s potency level.
This information can help the consumer decide which product is right for them and offers peace of mind that the product is reputable and of high quality.
If you remain curious about using CBD while pregnant, it’s essential to consult with your physician or doctor first. Their professional opinion on CBD during pregnancy is an important standpoint on the subject.
“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
