Can You Use CBD While Pregnant?
Navigating pregnancy can often come with many different concerns regarding health and well-being.
A question on the minds of some expectant mothers is the potential use of CBD during pregnancy.
Whilst CBD products have surged in popularity for their therapeutic properties, the implications for pregnant individuals remain a complex issue due to the lack of extensive research.
This post looks into the key considerations and debates surrounding this topic, aiming to provide a comprehensive look at whether CBD oil could be a safe option during pregnancy.
Related Post: Can You Safely Smoke CBD?
Can You Take CBD Oil While Pregnant?
The question of whether it’s safe to use CBD oil during pregnancy is currently a topic of considerable debate.
There’s a lack of extensive, conclusive research on the effects of CBD on pregnant women and their unborn babies, so medical professionals typically advise against using CBD oil during pregnancy.
The primary concern is that we simply don’t know enough about how CBD might impact fetal development.
Some preliminary studies have suggested potential risks, but they are far from definitive.
Given the unknowns, many healthcare professionals adopt a better-safe-than-sorry approach.
Remember, the field of CBD research is rapidly evolving, so always seek advice from a medical professional who is up-to-date with the latest research.
Related Post: CBD Oil for Hair Growth
Is THC Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
Yes, THC can potentially be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Those who are pregnant are generally advised against consuming substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, including cannabis, due to the potential harm they can cause to the developing fetus.
THC can cross the placenta and directly affect the unborn child.
It can potentially interfere with the development of the baby’s brain, leading to low birth weight, premature birth, small head circumference, small for gestational age, and can even increase the risk of stillbirth.
There’s also evidence to suggest that THC exposure in utero could lead to long-term or possibly even permanent changes in the child’s cognitive function and behaviour.
It’s important to note that while some people use cannabis for medical purposes, including to manage symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, the NHS does not recommend this due to the potential risks to the unborn child.
Related Post: Should You Take CBD Oil for Restless Legs?
Is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Safe for Pregnant Women?
Broad-spectrum CBD oil, which contains various cannabinoids and compounds from the cannabis plant but without THC, is increasingly used for various health-related purposes.
Despite lacking the trace amounts of THC that full-spectrum CBD contains, it is still suggested to avoid any CBD consumption while pregnant due to the lack of research surrounding its safety during this critical period.
Related Post: CBD and Fertility.
Is it Safe to Use CBD Oil While Breastfeeding?
During early motherhood, breastfeeding is a crucial stage that requires careful consideration of what substances are ingested, as they could potentially affect both mother and child.
Currently, the use of CBD oil while breastfeeding is a topic under investigation, and the research is limited.
Some studies suggest that components of the cannabis plant, from which CBD oil is derived, can pass into breast milk, potentially impacting an infant’s development.
Also, the quality and purity of CBD products can vary significantly, with some containing potentially harmful contaminants.
Due to these potential risks and the lack of concrete data, many healthcare professionals in the UK advise against the use of CBD oil while breastfeeding.
The general guidance is to always consult your healthcare provider before considering the use of substances such as CBD oil.
It’s essential to remember that any decision made doesn’t just impact the mother but also the baby.
Therefore, despite CBD oil’s rising popularity for potential wellness benefits, its use during breastfeeding is not conclusively deemed safe as of current knowledge.
It is highly recommended to seek advice from a doctor or a midwife to explore safer alternatives, weigh potential benefits against potential risks, and monitor any possible side effects.
Please see our blog post on CBD and Breastfeeding for more information on this subject.
Related Post: How To Use CBD Oil For Male Erectile Dysfunction.
Can CBD Help With Nausea During Pregnancy?
CBD has been known for managing symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and even nausea.
However, its use during pregnancy is an unsure topic and something to be approached with caution.
While some evidence suggests CBD could potentially help with nausea and vomiting in some situations, these studies are not specific to pregnancy, making it difficult to definitively recommend its use for managing nausea during pregnancy.
Related Post: Does CBD Oil Make You Last Longer In Bed?
Can You Use CBD Topicals While Pregnant?
Topical CBD products include creams, lotions, and oils that are applied directly to the skin and are generally used for pain relief and inflammation reduction.
The use of topical CBD products during pregnancy is a topic with limited scientific research.
While topical application doesn’t have the same systemic impact as oral consumption, there are still uncertainties about its safety during pregnancy.
Even though the topical application of CBD doesn’t introduce the compound into your bloodstream in the same way ingesting it would, it’s theoretically possible that some CBD could be absorbed through your skin and reach the fetus.
This isn’t known for sure, though, as the potential effects of this exposure on a developing fetus are not well understood.
Related Post: CBD for Menstrual Cramps and Period Pain
Lisa’s Tops Tip for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Because the research on CBD use is still limited in this area, I would typically advise against using CBD orally if you’re trying to get pregnant.
However, if you are suffering from pain or discomfort, I suggest using topical products.
Because these are applied directly to the skin, they would be safer to use and potentially help with your pain, which may help you to relax and relieve the stress you are under when suffering from pain.
Related Post: Taking CBD Oil Under the Tongue.
Always Consult a Doctor
Due to the potential risks and the lack of research on CBD use during pregnancy, it’s highly recommended that women who are pregnant consult a doctor before using CBD.
A healthcare professional can provide personalised advice based on your circumstances and the latest research findings.
They can also help you weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks, discuss safer alternatives, and monitor any potential side effects.
Final Notes On If You Can Use CBD Oil While Pregnant
The use of CBD oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a topic of considerable debate due to insufficient conclusive research on its effects.
Although CBD oil may offer some health benefits, it is generally advised against by healthcare professionals during these critical periods due to potential risks.
CBD oil components could potentially impact fetal development and pass into breast milk, affecting an infant’s development. In addition, THC, another cannabis plant compound, is considered harmful to both pregnant women and their unborn children.
Therefore, despite the rising popularity of CBD oil, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice, safer alternatives, and potential side effects before considering its use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Author - Lisa Strange
If you would like to try CBD oil and see if it can help you live a healthier life, please take a look at our shop.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive 25% off your first order. Simply enter your email to instantly reveal the code.
