Can You Use CBD While Pregnant?

There are many different compounds in cannabis, each with its potential benefits. Understanding each of these compounds can be important, especially if you’re new to using cannabis and its derivative products.

THC is one of the most commonly known compounds in cannabis, but there are a variety of other ones worth noting. One of the most commonly utilized compounds in cannabis is CBD.

CBD continues to grow in popularity as more people realize and explore its benefits. CBD has only recently become legal in the US, as the 2018 Farm Bill allowed for its production. However, the FDA has yet to approve or regulate the production of CBD outside of Epidiolex. There is a significant need for more research into the benefits of CBD, but a few key benefits are currently backed by evidence.

People use CBD for a variety of issues, both chronic and temporary. If you’re currently expecting, you may wonder if it's safe to use CBD while pregnant. With the current lack of research, it's hard to provide a clear-cut answer, but there are key factors to consider before reaching a conclusion.

What is CBD?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds produced by the cannabis plant. These compounds have a variety of different benefits and can be isolated from one another. CBD is one of the most commonly used cannabinoids.

The body has a system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is the reason why cannabis has so many health benefits for humans, as it allows for the compounds in cannabis to interact with the body and trigger certain reactions. 

One of the most important things to know about CBD is that it does not cause intoxication. This is one of the most notable benefits of this cannabinoid.

Another great aspect of CBD is that it’s generally considered safe, but some concern lies in the overuse of pure CBD on the liver.¹ Overdosing on CBD is highly unlikely, if possible at all. With that being said, it’s still important to think about the right CBD dose for you to use it mindfully and increase your chances of getting the desired effects.

CBD is a holistic option that may help manage various symptoms, including anxiety, nausea, and pain.^2,3 Interestingly, many of the symptoms CBD may help with are experienced during pregnancy, raising the question of safety and efficacy.

CBD During Pregnancy: What are the Potential Benefits?

There still has not been much research examining the effects of CBD while pregnant. However, there is evidence that backs up many potential benefits of CBD - benefits that many pregnant people may desire. Let’s go over a few symptoms that CBD may help with.

• Anxiety: Anxiety can sometimes be overwhelming, and finding safe options for relief during pregnancy can be challenging. Interestingly, CBD may be an efficient option for overcoming anxiety.⁴ One potential benefit of CBD is that it may provide steady results when taken consistently, helping individuals lessen their anxiety and improve their mental health.
• Pain: Experiencing pain during pregnancy can be very disheartening, but you may consider CBD. Using CBD for pain may be a quick option for relief.⁵ When using CBD for pain, getting the proper dosage is important – an amount that's different for everyone.
• Nausea: Nausea is a common pregnancy side effect, and CBD may work as a possible solution.⁶ When it comes to using CBD for nausea, it’s essential to make sure that you’re taking the right dose. Trying other natural remedies alongside CBD, such as ginger, can also be a great way to curb nausea and start feeling better. CBD most likely will not cure your nausea permanently, but it may be a temporary solution when you need quick relief.
• Sleep: If you struggle to sleep, you’re not alone. Have you considered CBD as a possible remedy? There have been some reports that have looked into the potential abilities of CBD to impact sleep, and the evidence is currently pointing toward CBD being beneficial in this area.⁷

CBD and Pregnancy: The Risks

Smoking cannabis during pregnancy may have adverse outcomes, but there isn’t much evidence to make definitive statements just yet.⁸

There hasn’t been much research that’s looked into the effects of taking CBD while pregnant, but a new study on mice suggests CBD exposure may increase pain sensitivity and decrease neuron excitability and problem-solving behavior.^9,10 Some research has also found that it’s possible CBD could affect the placenta, as well as oxytocin-induced contractions.^11,12

If you’re unsure whether or not using CBD while pregnant is the right choice, consider speaking with your doctor. This is a great way to be sure that you’re on the right track and making informed decisions. Taking CBD while pregnant can be a controversial topic, so it can be helpful to speak with a medical professional about all of your different options.

CBD After Pregnancy: Breastfeeding and Beyond

Whether or not it’s safe to use CBD while breastfeeding is the same as using it during pregnancy: there is conflicting research, and it's a personal decision.  It has been found that THC and CBD exposure does occur in breast milk, but there is limited clinical evidence examining the effects on brain development.⁸ Cannabis compounds such as THC can stay in breast milk for up to six days, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re using cannabis and breastfeeding.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, consider speaking with your doctor about when you should stop using CBD. They’ll likely recommend that you stop using CBD as soon as you begin trying to get pregnant, but recommendations may vary depending on your health and the specific provider.

If you’re not going to be breastfeeding, then it’s most likely safe to resume CBD use after your pregnancy. However, it’s important to speak with a medical provider about your options and ensure you stay educated about your choices.

Natural Alternatives to CBD

If you’re pregnant or considering getting pregnant and using CBD, you may wonder what natural alternatives you can consider. The good news is that there are a few different natural alternatives that you can use to get the same benefits that CBD provides. Let’s go over a few things you can consider in place of CBD.

• Ginger: If you’re experiencing nausea, ginger can be a great way to combat it.¹³ Some people try ginger candies or ginger drinks. It’s recommended that you try ginger throughout the day to curb nausea. Finding creative ways to add ginger into your diet can help you be proactive and make sure that you’re doing what you can to reduce nausea.
• Meditation: Stress relief is something many people look for during pregnancy, and meditation can be a great way to get it. Meditation can help you feel grounded and relaxed, so consider finding a guided meditation online or sitting in silence. Finding the right meditation routine can be a great way to care for your mental and physical health.
• Cherry Juice: If you’re struggling to sleep, cherry juice may be a great option.¹⁴ Many people report that this natural remedy helps them sleep, so consider if it could be what you’ve been looking for. If you’re trying cherry juice, consider finding an option low in sugar and made with only natural ingredients.
• Lavender: Lavender essential oil may also be a great pain relief option during pregnancy.¹⁵ Using lavender oil topically may provide localized relief, so consider getting some essential oil from a reputable source.

References

1.  Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):139-154. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
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2.  Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
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3.  Parker LA, Rock EM, Limebeer CL. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1411-1422. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x
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4.  Shannon S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal. 2019;23(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
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5.  Argueta DA, Ventura C, Kiven SB, Sagi V, Gupta K. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00561
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6.  Rock EM, Limebeer CL, Pertwee RG, Mechoulam R, Parker LA. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, and Cannabidiolic Acid Methyl Ester as Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021;6(4):266-274. doi:10.1089/can.2021.0041
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7.  Moltke J, Hindocha C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):5. Published 2021 Feb 18. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
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8.  Navarrete F, Garcia-Gutierrez MS, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Femenía T, Manzanares J. Cannabis Use in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Behavioral and Neurobiological Consequences. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.586447
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9.  Swenson KS. Cannabis for morning sickness: areas for intervention to decrease cannabis consumption during pregnancy. J Cannabis Res. 2023;5(1):22. Published 2023 Jun 17. doi:10.1186/s42238-023-00184-x
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10.  Swenson KS, Gomez LE, Hoelscher VM, et al. Fetal cannabidiol (CBD) exposure alters thermal pain sensitivity, problem-solving, and prefrontal cortex excitability. Molecular Psychiatry. Published online July 11, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02130-y
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11.  Sarrafpour S, Urits I, Powell J, et al. Considerations and Implications of Cannabidiol Use During Pregnancy. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2020;24(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00872-w
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12.  Houlihan DD, Dennedy MC, Morrison JJ. Effects of abnormal cannabidiol on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility. Reproduction. 2010;139(4):783-788. doi:10.1530/REP-09-0496
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13.  Sarecka-Hujar B, Szulc-Musioł B. Herbal Medicines-Are They Effective and Safe during Pregnancy?. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(1):171. Published 2022 Jan 12. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14010171
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14.  Pigeon WR, Carr M, Gorman C, Perlis ML. Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2010;13(3):579-583. doi:10.1089/jmf.2009.0096
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15.  de Melo Alves Silva LC, de Oliveira Mendes FC, de Castro Teixeira F, et al. Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: A scoping review. Heliyon. 2023;9(5):e15446. Published 2023 Apr 14. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446
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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.