CBD and Pregnancy
Cannabidiol (CBD) is quickly gaining recognition in the field of health and wellness. It is one among more than 120 cannabinoids, or compounds, that are present in the cannabis plant, and there are even more possible uses and benefits for it.
CBD, unlike the other popular cannabinoid known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), does not cause a "high" associated with cannabis. However, it may relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with different medical conditions.
You might begin to wonder whether CBD can be used during pregnancy as more and more individuals resort to it for assistance from a range of physical and mental health concerns.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance found in the hemp plant. One of the many therapeutic benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. CBD may be consumed in several different ways, including topicals, vaping, sublingual drops, capsules, and ingestible.
CBD does not make people high like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another well-known ingredient of the cannabis plant. Because CBD provides the advantages of cannabis without the psychoactive effects, many people prefer to use it.
CBD Oil Uses
CBD may be found in a wide range of cannabis products such as beverages, foods, dietary supplements, bath soaks, and other things.
It is gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, and some research suggests that it may help with the symptoms of illnesses including anxiety and chronic pain. Here are some health advantages of CBD supported by research.
- Potential pain relief
- May lessen signs of mental health problems
- May assist with some symptoms connected to cancer
- Could possess neuroprotective qualities
- Might benefit heart health
- Might lessen PTSD symptoms
- Possible anxiety relief
- May lessen signs of arthritis
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy has several unpleasant side effects, such as severe nausea or chronic backaches. However, many common medications are no longer safe once you have a kid on the way. If you constantly have morning sickness, back pain, or pregnancy-related anxiety, you might want to look for a more natural treatment.
As appealing as this substance appears to be, it is not safe to consume during pregnancy and may put your baby at risk. There are a few possible issues to be aware of, even if there hasn't been enough study done to tell with certainty what may go wrong. You should stay away from CBD if you're pregnant until we know more.
What If I Use CBD Before Realizing I'm Pregnant?
If you use CBD daily or if you simply tried it out before your positive pregnancy test, don't be alarmed. You're probably okay, says OB/GYN and fertility specialist Marco Mouanness, MD, of New York City. However, he still suggests speaking with your midwife or doctor so they can keep an eye on you in addition to stopping your CBD consumption.
Since THC and CBD are both components of cannabis, we must rely on what is known about THC because we don't know enough about how they affect pregnancy and a developing foetus. THC has been linked to early miscarriage in animal studies, but Dr Mouanness notes that if you get a positive pregnancy test, you have not yet miscarried. Early CBD usage will not cause a miscarriage if you stop using it immediately.
According to an article from the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, your Doctor may occasionally prescribe progesterone to reduce the chance of miscarriage. Progesterone supplements have been found to prevent miscarriage. It also appears to offer some protection against the harmful effects of CBD exposure early in pregnancy.
Safety Precautions
In conclusion, using CBD while pregnant is not safe. You should be aware of a few possible concerns.
Possibility of Miscarriage
Studies on animals have discovered a connection between CBD use and early miscarriage. Although results from research on animals might not always apply to people, if you are actively trying to get pregnant, you might want to discontinue taking CBD as a precaution.
Possible Reproductive Harm
Another animal study connected CBD use during pregnancy to reduced levels of sperm production in the male offspring. Therefore, there may be a risk to a male's future reproductive health if you're pregnant with a boy. Again, animal research does not necessarily translate to human studies. However, it is advisable to be cautious.
Pregnancy-Related Side Effects Increases
Because CBD has few adverse effects, it is popular among many individuals. However, some people who use CBD reported experiencing fatigue or diarrhoea. These side effects might significantly harm your pregnancy. No one wants to feel exhausted on top of being pregnant, and diarrhoea may lead to dehydration, which is harmful when pregnant.
When Can I Resume Using CBD?
You should avoid using CBD if you decide to nurse your child because it appears to transfer into breast milk and affect the child.
Some data suggest that the presence of CBD in breast milk may be harmful to a baby's motor development. Additionally, the study suggested that CBD oil derivatives can stay in breast milk for up to six days following consumption.
You can resume taking CBD once your child has been completely weaned from the breast. There is no longer any risk to your child at this time.
Pregnancy Safe Alternatives
Below are some natural remedies that may help if you're looking for relief from certain pregnancy symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger is a traditional treatment that has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting. To reap the benefits, you can take ginger in any form, including candied, pickled, or as a tea.
Magnesium
Magnesium, an essential nutrient, may be able to help if you're having trouble getting the sleep you need. Regular magnesium intake has a soothing impact that may help treat anxiety and depression in addition to promoting sound sleep. A magnesium supplement may lessen headaches and other aches and pains because it suppresses pain receptors.
Vitamin B
Taking vitamin B can significantly lessen nausea brought on by pregnancy. However, since we don't know enough about how vitamin B affects a growing foetus, you shouldn't take any more vitamin B than what is currently in your prenatal vitamins unless your doctor specifically instructs you to.
Conclusion
Although CBD has many advantages, it should not be used while pregnant due to potential risks to the growing foetus. Its use may be associated with miscarriage and consequences on pregnancy outcomes or baby motor development.
But it doesn't mean you have to put up with unpleasant or intolerable effects on pregnancy. Ask an OB/GYN, midwife, or another healthcare professional for advice on how to properly manage your symptoms if you need it.
