Ask an MD: Is CBD Cream Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of discomforts — sore muscles, joint pain, restless nights. For many, topical CBD products seem like a gentle, natural way to get some relief. But when you're expecting, it's normal to second-guess everything you put on or in your body. So, is CBD cream safe during pregnancy? We asked a licensed medical professional to weigh in.

Is CBD Bad for Expecting Parents?

“The FDA and American Pregnancy Association highly advise against using any cannabis product, including CBD, while pregnant,” Dr. Brian Kessler notes. “We don’t have enough evidence of the potential risks and benefits of CBD use and pregnancy.”

Is CBD Cream Safe During Pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, there isn’t enough known about CBD to suggest it’s safe to use during pregnancy. It’s best to abstain from using CBD during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Kessler, “While CBD topical products are not likely to get into the bloodstream where it could transfer to the baby, the FDA still advises against using CBD products while pregnant due to contamination concerns.”

Unregulated and untested CBD products may have THC or other contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals.¹

What About Other Types of CBD Topicals Like CBD Lotion and CBD Balm?

There are a couple of different options for CBD topicals. Transdermal products are applied directly to the skin, penetrate, and enter the bloodstream, providing more whole-body relief.² Traditional topicals will sit on the skin and provide more localized surface-level relief where applied.³ 

“Certain CBD topical products can be made with ingredients that enhance skin absorption, which can lead to CBD and other compounds in the product getting into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the baby,” states Dr. Kessler. 

Some evidence shows that a fetus may be exposed to CBD in various concentrations if the mother has used a CBD product. Continuous use of CBD could accumulate in amniotic fluid, which could impact the fetus, especially because amniotic fluid has a long half-life.⁴ However, unless the topicals are transdermal and formulated with skin penetration enhancers, they cannot directly cross into the amniotic fluid.

Can You Use Hemp Cream When Pregnant?

There isn’t much research studying the effects of hemp cream during pregnancy. Dr. Kessler notes, “Hemp oil may still contain contaminants, but hemp seed cooking oils are generally considered safe during pregnancy; in fact, hemp seed oil is promoted as beneficial due to its high omega-3 content.” 

What Other CBD Products Can Safely be Used During Pregnancy? Which Ones Should Expectant Mothers Stay Away From?

“Per the FDA, using CBD products is not recommended if you are pregnant. If you want to continue using CBD products, you should speak with your doctor about what is right for you,” reaffirms Dr. Kessler. 

When Can I Safely Use CBD Topicals Again After Giving Birth?

There is not much research regarding CBD and breast milk.

“Because topical products typically are not made with skin penetration enhancers, they are not likely to make it into the bloodstream, but you should still take caution and speak with your doctor about what is best for you,” states Dr. Kessler.

References

1. Evans DG. Medical Fraud, Mislabeling, Contamination: All Common in CBD Products. Mo Med. 2020;117(5):394-399. ↩︎
2. Hess C, Krämer M, Madea B. Topical application of THC containing products is not able to cause positive cannabinoid finding in blood or urine. Forensic Sci Int. 2017;272:68-71. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.008 ↩︎
3. Mahmoudinoodezh H, Telukutla SR, Bhangu SK, Bachari A, Cavalieri F, Mantri N. The Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(2):438. Published 2022 Feb 18. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14020438 ↩︎
4. Ochiai W, Kitaoka S, Kawamura T, et al. Maternal and Fetal Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Cannabidiol during Pregnancy in Mice. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. 2021;49(4):337-343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.120.000270 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.