CBD And Pregnancy: What You Should Know

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is swiftly gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry. It’s one of more than 120 cannabinoids (chemicals) present in the cannabis plant, and its list of possible uses and advantages keeps growing.

Unlike other cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC, Cannabis gummies do not cause the “high” that many people are familiar with cannabis. It may, however, aid in the relief of pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with various medical disorders.

With so many consumers switching to CBD to treat various physical and mental health issues, you might wonder if it’s safe to use CBD during pregnancy. After all, it’s a natural material derived from plants.

Despite these facts, doctors do not believe CBD is safe to consume during pregnancy. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant and nursing women be against taking any cannabis product, including cannabinoids because it could affect the fetus or nursing baby.

Why Do Experts Believe CBD Is Harmful To Pregnant Women?

As previously stated, CBD does not provide the same “high” as THC. Although this may make you believe that CBD is safe to consume during pregnancy, doctors advise against it.

Not only is there a lack of data on CBD and pregnancy, but most of what is available is based on animal studies. Furthermore, the findings of this research have raised some concerns. For instance, an older 1986 study claimed that male rats’ sperm count and testicular function were affected by CBD exposure during pregnancy or the day after delivery. However, there is no new evidence to support this claim.

In addition, fetal exposure to cannabinoids may alter immune system development and reduce the body’s ability to fight cancer and infections, according to a 2019 study. The study did, however, refer to cannabinoids in general rather than CBD specifically.

Experts are still studying CBD’s advantages and potential adverse effects. There’s still much to learn about this substance, but here are a few of the already known benefits. CBD can improve sleep. A 2019 study examined whether CBD could help people sleep better or feel less anxious.

In the first month of the trial, 79.2 percent of participants stated they had less anxiety, and 66.7 percent said they slept better. The study found that while sleep quality fluctuated over time, anxiety levels remained low.

Nausea Alleviation

CBD is related to serotonin receptors in animals. Therefore it may aid in relieving nausea. When you eat anything that doesn’t agree with you, the hormone serotonin helps to control your mood and overall sense of well-being, but it also helps to cause nausea or diarrhea.

Precautions For Safety

Experts do not recommend CBD for use during pregnancy. There are a few apparent consequences to be aware of.

Miscarriage Is A Possibility

CBD consumption links to early miscarriage in animal studies. While we cannot apply animal study directly to humans, if you are actively trying to conceive, you may want to cease using CBD as a precaution.

Harm To Reproductive Organs

Another animal study links CBD use throughout pregnancy to reduced male offspring sperm production. So, if you have a male, it can affect his reproductive health in the future. Again, the findings of animal research do not always apply to humans. However, it is best to be cautious.

Side Effects Of Pregnancy Getting Worse

CBD is popular among consumers because of its low risk of adverse effects. When consuming CBD, however, some people report feeling sleepy or having diarrhea. These unfavorable side effects may harm your pregnancy. Nobody wants to be even more exhausted than they currently are from pregnancy. And diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is problematic when you’re pregnant.

Can You Use Hemp Seeds?

The FDA has evaluated hemp seed-derived food additives and found no issues with their usage in foods. THC and CBD are primarily found in hemp plants’ flowers, leaves, and stems, not in the seeds. Hemp seeds can take up trace levels of THC and CBD from other plant parts, but these concentrations are insignificant enough to pose no risk to anyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Safe Pregnancy Alternatives

A few natural therapies may help you get relief from specific pregnant discomfort.

Ginger

Ginger is a well-known anti-nausea and anti-vomiting treatment. To reap the benefits, you can consume ginger in any form, including roasted, pickled, or drink.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B can help to alleviate nausea caused by pregnancy. However, unless told otherwise by a doctor, you should not take more vitamin B than the quantity already contained in your prenatal vitamins, as we don’t know much about its consequences on a developing fetus.

Magnesium

Magnesium, a vital vitamin, may help you get the rest you need if you’re having trouble sleeping. Magnesium supplements work by blocking pain receptors, which can help with headaches as well as other cramps. When you take it frequently, magnesium has a soothing effect, which, in addition to encouraging adequate sleep, may aid in treating anxiety and depression.

Finding Assistance

There’s no denying that pregnancy and breastfeeding are both physically demanding. While nausea usually goes away after a few months (but not always), other symptoms such as discomfort, worry, and insomnia might last the entire pregnancy.

It’s always ideal to tell your doctor about any symptoms and concerns you might have about meds to avoid during maternity. Your healthcare provider can assist you in finding safe therapies and home cures to alleviate pregnancy-related distress. Being informed about your symptoms might help them spot early warning signals for more severe health problems.

That is also true of mental health symptoms. While it’s understandable if you don’t want to take antidepressants while pregnant, that doesn’t mean you have to ignore signs of stress, anxiety, or other emotional distress. A therapist can provide support and advice on safe treatment alternatives during pregnancy.

Bottom Line

CBD has many advantages, but it’s not safe to take during pregnancy because of the risks it poses to a developing fetus. Miscarriage and consequences on future fertility and baby motor development may be linked to its use, and the risk is not worth it until we understand more.

That doesn’t imply you’ll have to put up with any unpleasant or terrible pregnancy side effects and endure pain. Don’t be afraid to ask an OB/GYN, nurse, or another healthcare practitioner for advice on how to handle your symptoms safely.