The joys of pregnancy come with many challenges, and women may find themselves searching for solutions to a wide array of issues. One commonly discussed issue is nausea, and many women may be wondering if they can take CBD while pregnant as a potential solution. This post will explore this topic in depth, providing an understanding of the current research and safety considerations to be aware of.
It is important to note that pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare providers before starting any form of treatment. This post is designed to provide additional insight and inform decision-making, not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. With that being said, let’s dive into the discussion of whether or not CBD can be taken while pregnant to help with nausea.
Are any CBD products approved by the FDA?
Although CBD products may be permitted in many US states, the FDA has not yet authorized any OTC CBD products.
Currently, there is only one FDA-approved CBD-containing drug on the market, Epidiolex, which is used to treat three different types of epilepsy.
As noted above, CBD doesn’t produce the “high” THC does. Although you might assume that makes CBD safe to use while pregnant, experts still advise against it.
The amount of research on CBD and pregnancy is extremely limited, and the majority of studies so far have used animals. Plus, the results of these studies have prompted some concerns.
For example, an older 1986 study suggests that exposure to CBD during gestation or the day after birth affected sperm count and testicular function in male rats, but there isn’t any recent data to back up this claim.
A 2019 study also suggested that fetal exposure to cannabinoids could affect immune system development and possibly weaken the body’s ability to defend against cancer and infections. That said, the study referred to cannabinoids in general rather than specifically focusing on CBD.
The authors of the study also pointed out that cannabinoids primarily function by interacting with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. But they went on to say that THC and CBD can also bind to other receptors, which might have other health or developmental effects throughout pregnancy and nursing.
Future studies may shed more light on potential dangers of consuming CBD while nursing or pregnant.
Additionally, some medical experts have expressed worries that women who are expecting or nursing might unintentionally use contaminated CBD products.
With CBD’s growing popularity, products are now very simple to find. Depending on where you live, you might have even noticed some at your neighborhood grocery store.
Of course, not all CBD products are created equal in terms of quality. Third-party lab reports demonstrating that the product has been examined for contaminants, such as mold, pesticides, and heavy metals, are a sign of a high-quality product.
Plus, some CBD products may include THC in trace amounts. These THC traces can still get into a nursing infant.
THC is strongly advised against while nursing or pregnant as evidence suggests it may:
Of course, it’s crucial to keep in mind that, even though these studies do find an association, that doesn’t constitute absolute proof. Additionally, they don’t take into account things like potency or usage frequency.
Also keep in mind that CBD may result in a few side effects, such as:
CBD can also interact with certain medications. In general, you should consult your doctor before using CBD even if you are not currently pregnant or nursing.
These side effects might not seem particularly concerning, especially if you’re dealing with pain, ongoing morning sickness, or lack of sleep. But once more, the scarcity of research is one of the main worries regarding CBD use during pregnancy.
In short, experts don’t know enough about how CBD could affect fetal health and development, and what they *do* know has prompted some concerns.
It is undeniable that pregnancy can result in significant physical discomfort. While other symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia, can linger throughout pregnancy, other symptoms, such as nausea, occasionally (though not always) goes away after a few months.
It’s best to discuss any symptoms you have with your healthcare team as well as any concerns you may have about pregnancy-safe medication.
Your care team can assist you in locating secure treatments and DIY remedies to help relieve discomfort brought on by pregnancy. Keeping them informed of your symptoms can also assist them in spotting early symptoms of more severe health issues.
That goes for mental health symptoms, too. Even though you might prefer to avoid taking prescription antidepressants while pregnant, you shouldn’t ignore the signs of anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress.
A therapist can support you and advise you on pregnancy-safe treatment options.
Although you might be tempted to use CBD to alleviate the aches and pains of pregnancy, experts currently advise against using any cannabis-related products while pregnant.
More advice on safe alternatives to treat medical and mental health symptoms during pregnancy can be obtained from your healthcare provider.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment and has a master’s degree in media and journalism.
Last medically reviewed on October 15, 2021
The FDA is researching the effects of CBD use from a variety of perspectives, including: (1) the effects of using CBD-containing products over the course of a person’s entire life, such as food, cosmetics, or supplements; and (2) the effects of combining these various products. There are many unanswered questions regarding the quality, safety, and science of CBD-containing products.
Since there is insufficient data on the safety of CBD in these populations, the FDA strongly discourages its use by pregnant and nursing women. The FDA strongly advises against using marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) in any form while pregnant or breast-feeding, according to a statement on its website. ”.
CBD oil is becoming more and more well-liked for a range of problems, including pain relief, nausea suppression, anxiety relief, and a good night’s sleep. It makes sense that a mother-to-be would think about taking it to combat the negative effects of pregnancy. But is CBD Oil safe during pregnancy? Probably not.
The effects of CBD on the growing fetus, the pregnant mother, or the breastfed child have not been thoroughly investigated. The FDA is still gathering and researching information regarding the potential risks of CBD use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. But the FDA asserts that there is significant cause for concern based on what we do know.
The FDA warns that there is a chance that CBD products could be contaminated with THC or other substances that could harm an unborn child or a baby who is being breastfed. Additionally, they have heard that CBD may contain other contaminants (e.g. g. , heavy metals, bacteria, fungi, pesticides); and are looking into this
What is CBD oil used for?
Most users of CBD oil do so to combat insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, or nausea. Although there is research on its use as a treatment for a number of more severe conditions, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and even traumatic brain injury, doctors caution that it can interact with other medications and may have side effects like depression.
FAQ
Is it OK to take CBD during pregnancy?
Does CBD help nausea morning sickness?