CBD and Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

AOC-Pregnant woman lying in bed and touch her belly

Pregnancy brings a variety of unpleasant side symptoms, such as acute nausea and chronic backaches, but many popular drugs are no longer safe if you’re expecting a child. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for morning sickness, a tight lower back, or even pregnancy-related anxiety, you might’ve considered CBD-infused products at some point.

CBD, with its wide array of health benefits, is being considered by some pregnant women to be a safe option for dealing with pain and pregnancy-related afflictions. Although there isn’t enough information to determine its effects and what may go wrong, there are a few possible issues to be aware of. Until we know more, it’s advisable to remain safe and consult with your doctor.

What Exactly Is CBD? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of the cannabis plant. It offers several therapeutic effects, including relief from chronic pain, anxiety and depression, sleeplessness, nausea and vomiting, and so on. This chemical may be taken in various ways, including tinctures, topical creams, gums, vape pens, and gel caps.

Unlike THC, another component of the cannabis plant, CBD does not intoxicate. Many individuals choose it because it provides the advantages of cannabis without the accompanying “high.” It is federally legal, so you can obtain CBD-infused products anywhere in the country, as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3% THC.

Now, is CBD safe for pregnant women?

Can You Use CBD While Pregnant?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, CBD and pregnancy is not a good combination. Consuming CBD during pregnancy or nursing is “highly advised against.” CBD should be avoided during pregnancy, primarily because its effects on a growing fetus are unclear. We know THC can penetrate a growing baby’s brain, so there’s reason to suppose CBD may as well.

“There is a possibility that CBD might interfere with embryo implantation and cause miscarriages,” warns Felice Gersh, MD, an OB/GYN in California with two award-winning books on fertility. The FDA is still gathering evidence on the specific hazards of CBD and pregnancy. Still, until we hear otherwise, you should not regard CBD as a safe alternative when pregnant.

What if I Use CBD Before I Find Out I’m Pregnant? 

Don’t be alarmed whether you frequently use CBD or if you just have a chance to try it out before you find out you are pregnant. You are probably alright, according to Marco Mouanness, MD, an expert specializing in reproductive health in New York City. Along with quitting your CBD usage, he recommends contacting your OB/GYN so they can monitor you as needed.

Because we don’t know enough about CBD’s effects on pregnancy and a growing baby, we must depend on what we know about THC, which, as mentioned, is also a component of cannabis. THC has been related to early miscarriage in animal studies, but Dr. Mouanness emphasizes that a positive pregnancy test does not mean you have miscarried. CBD will not cause miscarriage if you stop using it right away.

According to Dr. Gersh, in some situations, your OB/GYN may prescribe progesterone to reduce the chance of miscarriage. “Taking supplemental progesterone may give some protection from the consequences of CBD exposure early in pregnancy…[as] it occasionally aids in the prevention of miscarriage.”

CBD and Pregnancy:  Precautions for Safety 

CBD is not safe to consume while pregnant. There are a few possible hazards to be aware of, including:

Possibility of Miscarriage 

In animal research, CBD ingestion has been associated with pregnancy loss. While animal studies are not directly applicable to humans, you should discontinue CBD use as a precaution if you are actively attempting to conceive.

Possibility of Reproductive Harm 

Another animal experiment-related CBD use during pregnancy shows a decreased male offspring production. So, if you have a male, the baby may jeopardize his future reproductive health. Again, animal research does not necessarily translate to human studies. However, it is advisable to be cautious.

Prolonged Pregnancy-Related Side Effects 

CBD is popular since it only has a few adverse effects. However, some people report fatigue or diarrhea after consuming CBD. These side effects may have a harmful impact on your pregnancy. Nobody likes to feel exhausted on top of being pregnant, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which is harmful when pregnant.

When Can I Resume Taking CBD? 

If you choose to nurse your child, you should continue to avoid using CBD. The compound will transfer into breast milk and reach the infant.

Taking CBD and breastfeeding appear to harm a baby’s motor development, and because it stays in your milk for a long period, you can’t “pump and dump.” Some studies have indicated that CBD oil derivatives may be identified in breast milk for up to six days after usage.

There are benefits and drawbacks to CBD and pregnancy, which you should explore with a doctor after you’re no longer maintaining your kid with your body. It is okay to resume taking CBD once your baby has been weaned from the breast. There is no longer any danger to your youngster at this stage.

Safe Pregnancy Alternatives 

A few natural solutions may aid if you are experiencing particular pregnancy symptoms. Here are some of them:

Ginger 

Ginger is an old treatment that has been shown to aid nausea and vomiting. You may obtain the benefits of ginger in any form, including candied, pickled, or as a tea.

Magnesium 

If you’re having trouble sleeping, magnesium, a vital nutrient, may be able to assist. Magnesium supplements inhibit pain receptors, so they may help with headaches and other aches and pains. When taken regularly, magnesium provides a relaxing impact that, in addition to encouraging excellent sleep, may help battle anxiety and sadness.

B Vitamins 

According to most doctors, vitamin B can considerably lessen pregnancy-induced nausea. However, they caution that unless a doctor recommends, you should not take more vitamin B than the quantity currently contained in your prenatal vitamins because we don’t know enough about its effects on a growing fetus. In addition, before beginning any new supplements or drugs, contact a healthcare provider.

Key Takeaway 

CBD offers numerous advantages, but the hazards to a growing fetus make it unsuitable for usage during pregnancy. Miscarriage and consequences on future fertility or baby motor development may be linked to CBD and pregnancy, and the risk is not worth it until we understand more.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with unpleasant or intolerable pregnancy side effects. Don’t be afraid to consult an OB/GYN, midwife, or another healthcare practitioner for advice on how to address your symptoms safely. They are the best ones to prescribe supplements, treatments, and alternatives.

Get High-Quality CBD from Altitude Organic Cannabis 

CBD is an excellent treatment option for various conditions, thanks to its myriad of health benefits. If you’re looking to buy legitimate and high-quality CBD, Altitude Organic Cannabis is the best place to go.

Our Keystone dispensary provides a wide array of top-shelf CBD products for your medical use. If you’re pregnant, we highly advise you to consult with your primary care physician before taking CBD products.

Come see us right away! Present your identification card before purchasing online or in one of our physical locations. Our staff will gladly assist you with your transaction.

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