In the modern age, we are lucky to have medications and treatments for just about any ailment. Some expectant mothers find great relief from these treatments, while others prefer alternative solutions.

Many women are turning to CBD to relieve stomach discomfort, relax the mind, and aid with sleep. But how does CBD combat these challenges?

CBD products are becoming more accessible as they are completely safe for everyone. Despite this, many people have doubts about CBD products. And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you may have even more questions and doubts about whether CBD is safe for you.

Just like any other treatments or medications, there is limited research available on pregnancy and lactation.

The FDA strongly advises against using Cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or marijuana during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should be aware that taking cannabis products, particularly those containing CBD, might pose substantial dangers.

Many pregnant women want to know if CBD can help with nausea, anxiety, and sleep issues during pregnancy. Discover what the science says about CBD use during pregnancy.

To begin, we'll look at how CBD can benefit everyday situations. Then we'll go through why using CBD during pregnancy is complicated.

Why Do Pregnant Women Consume CBD?

Mothers often consume CBD because they claim it helps with pregnancy-related issues such as:

• Early morning sickness
• Irritability
• Aches and pains
• Gastrointestinal issues (bloating and gas)

While the short-term effects of CBD can be beneficial, there is limited research on its effects on the human reproductive system or pregnancy. Some experts are concerned about the usage of this cannabinoid during pregnancy and advice against it.

CBD During Pregnancy

Most research used to explore the effects of cannabinoids used synthetic cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. The effect of CBD on its own during pregnancy or lactation has hardly been investigated until now.

According to the researchers, the growth of the placenta includes the following strictly controlled processes:

The proliferation of cells (rapid tissue growth)

Apoptosis (cell death)

Autophagy ("recycling plant" cells)

Trophoblast cell invasion/migration (trophoblast: a layer of cells responsible for feeding the fetus).

CBD interferes with these processes which may have an impact on the pregnancy's outcome.

How Does CBD Affect Pregnancy?

With the therapeutic effects that CBD has on the body, and the negative consequences that occur during pregnancy, it is natural for pregnant women to take it. Yet, there are several factors that must be considered.

Expert Advice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), claims that there is insufficient data to prove that CBD is beneficial to health during pregnancy. Of course, this is due to the fact that the investigations are still ongoing, despite the fact that many positive results have already been obtained.

On the other hand, many health experts who support the use of CBD highlight the importance of avoiding it totally during pregnancy.

Effects on the Baby

Although the mother may benefit from the alleviation that CBD gives for many of the symptoms she experiences throughout pregnancy, CBD may affect her baby.

This is due to various factors:

There is a lack of evidence: Although CBD has been demonstrated to be beneficial to the body, it has only been tested on animals, not on infants.

THC may be present: While extracting CBD, great effort is taken to avoid THC contamination, however, this is nearly difficult to achieve. Its component is both addictive and hazardous.

Additional potentially hazardous substances: CBD may contain another hazardous component. This would be harmful to the infant.

In animal research, it was discovered that THC had a significant impact on their growth, particularly in the brain. This is one of the reasons the FDA does not approve CBD usage during pregnancy.

The following are possible side effects of THC usage for infants.

Weight outside the normal range: In general, these children are born with very little weight, which will be an issue for the rest of their life.

Problems with the brain: The brain's development is not being carried out properly, which has an impact on its physical and mental evolution.

Other health issues: THC is known to slow the growth of blood vessels, which has an impact on the child's health.

Effects of Using THC during Pregnancy or while Breastfeeding

Using marijuana and other THC-containing products can have a number of serious health implications while pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.

Furthermore, US Surgeons advised consumers that marijuana use during pregnancy can harm fetal brain development since THC can enter the baby's brain through the mother's blood. The Surgeon General also advised that marijuana may increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby.

According to research, there is also a higher chance of preterm birth or stillbirth.

During breastfeeding, keep in mind that THC can be found in breast milk for up to six days after use. This THC has the potential to negatively impact neonatal brain development, resulting in hyperactivity, poor cognitive functioning, and other long-term effects.

Furthermore, marijuana smoke has many of the same hazards as cigarette smoke. Tobacco or marijuana products should not be smoked near a newborn or children.

Effects of Using CBD During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding

There has been no detailed study on the effects of CBD on the developing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed newborn. The FDA continues to gather and research data on the potential dangers of CBD during pregnancy and nursing. Yet, based on what we know, there is a significant cause for concern.

High CBD doses in pregnant test animals have resulted in reproductive issues in growing male babies. Furthermore, based on what we already know about CBD, it is believed that some CBD will be passed to the baby through breast milk.

We also know that CBD products, including THC, may be contaminated with chemicals that are harmful to the fetus or breastfed newborn.

High doses of CBD can cause:

• Liver toxicity (damage)
• Extreme sleepiness
• Harmful interactions with other medications

The FDA is reviewing the impacts of CBD use from various angles, including the use of CBD-containing products, such as meals, cosmetics, or supplements, and the effects of using numerous products at the same time.

Is CBD Cream Safe During Pregnancy?

Is it safe to smoke CBD while pregnant? And what about CBD gummies? Are CBD creams safe to use during pregnancy? When it comes to CBD, pregnant women often have a lot of questions. Unfortunately, it is still too early to provide definitive answers. Obviously, smoking anything during pregnancy endangers both the mother's and the baby's health. What about CBD creams and edibles?

Although studies are being conducted that suggest its potential usefulness and minimal danger to the general population, we must wait for further evidence to validate the safety of CBD in a situation as special as pregnancy or lactation.

After all, pregnant women who want to use CBD should see their doctor, who will be able to properly advise them while also protecting the health of both the mother and the baby.

Does Anyone Use CBD Oil While Pregnant?

‘A Clear No to CBD Products During Pregnancy’

Pregnant women are responsible for their own health and their unborn babies. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary complications and due to a lack of proper research, it is not recommended to take CBD during pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman experiences nausea or any anxiety, there are considerably lower-risk options available that she should discuss with her physician.

Using CBD Massage Oil During Pregnancy

There are more CBD products besides CBD oil in the form of drops that you put under your tongue. For example, CBD massage oils. In this case, it is also advised to avoid using these products (including CBD ointments) while pregnant. This is due to the risk of the substances entering the baby's bloodstream and harming the health of the baby.

F.A.Q's

Is CBD Safe During Early Pregnancy?

The expectant mother should avoid alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, narcotics, some prescriptions, and a variety of other substances. Until now, little study has been conducted on the effects of CBD on the fetus during pregnancy. Since cannabinoids like CBD pass the placenta, they should be avoided during pregnancy.

Can CBD Products be used with 0% THC (CBD Isolate)?

The refusal to use CBD during pregnancy is mostly due to the possibility of THC contamination, which would be extremely harmful to the fetus. However, there are some reputable sources where the product does not include this component, or so the label claims. What can be done in such situations?

Once again, the advice of an expert doctor is necessary. He will be able to provide guidance to avoid taking unnecessary risks. It should also be noted that, despite what is stated on the label, the amount of THC may be more than what is mentioned. This could be extremely harmful to both the mother and the infant.

What Should You Remember When Using CBD Products During Pregnancy?

If you are considering consuming cannabis or any product containing THC or CBD, keep the following in mind:

The FDA strongly advises against using CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Before taking any medicine or drug while pregnant or nursing, always consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Do not endanger yourself or your baby by using cannabis products while pregnant or nursing.

Summary

First of all, it must be said that there have been no studies in which cannabinoids such as THC or CBD have been delivered to pregnant or nursing women and the effect on the embryo or baby has been investigated. This would be highly unethical and would endanger both mother and baby.

The conclusions of animal and laboratory studies are variable and partly conflicting. It is considered safe for cannabis medicine components to reach the fetus's bloodstream through the placenta. However, it is unknown if this disrupts prenatal development or alters fetal central nervous system function.

The studies discovered the risk of the following disorders in neonates if the mothers used cannabis during pregnancy:

Low birth weight

Anemia (anemia of the blood)

However, Cannabidiol (CBD) has not yet been well studied, particularly in terms of its use during pregnancy and when the mother is breastfeeding her newborn. Therefore, CBD consumption (including all forms) should be avoided.