CBD during pregnancy: yes or no?

Pregnancy is a real journey, full of love and challenging at the same time. With a wonderful destination, but with a journey that is not always straightforward and without mishaps.

And this is what we need to focus on: how to cope with the inconveniences of pregnancy in a natural way.

To help us, CBD (cannabidiol) products come to the rescue. They belong to a market that is completely legal and to which many mothers turn to solve various problems.

CBD during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, relieve nausea and vomiting, improve sleep and reduce pain. Perfect when alternated with equally natural supplements, perhaps containing ginger and chamomile. 

Let’s get straight to the benefits of CBD during the pregnancy period to help mothers-to-be and new mothers enjoy their beautiful journey into the world of motherhood.

CBD and pregnancy: what does science say?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advises that pregnant women should not use CBD during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. CBD may have negative effects on fetal growth and health, as the fetus is not yet sufficiently developed to metabolize the substance properly.

Some research, such as the study titled Self-reported Medical and Nonmedical Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women in the United States, highlights a growing trend of cannabis use among pregnant women. For instance, a Canadian study found that the percentage of pregnant women who reported cannabis use in the previous month rose from 3.4% in 2002 to 7% in 2017.

A more recent study, published in 2023 in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology, examined CBD use among young pregnant women. The research involved participants under the age of 22, a group more likely to use cannabis during pregnancy. The results showed that 21% of participants had used CBD products at least once.

The study identified some effects and concerns related to CBD use during pregnancy, although specific outcomes were not fully detailed in the available summary. However, similar studies suggest:

1. Possible embryotoxic effects: CBD may interfere with embryonic development, as indicated by animal model studies (e.g., through changes in the placental barrier and disruptions in blood vessel formation).
   
2. Association with depressive symptoms: Among participants using CBD, a correlation with depressive symptoms was observed. This could indicate that CBD is being used to cope with psychological distress, though its effectiveness and safety in this context remain unclear.
   
3. Need for further research: Despite the rising popularity of CBD among young pregnant women, there is still a lack of clear understanding of its long-term effects on both the mother and the fetus.

That said, CBD use should be limited to only after the nine months of pregnancy and the breastfeeding period in order to be considered safe.

Positive effects of CBD during pregnancy

In addition to nausea and vomiting, which we have already addressed in the previous lines, CBD is also good for other typical pregnancy discomforts, in particular:

• Counteracting back and lower abdominal pain: CBD acts as an effective painkiller, relieving muscle tension. This improves the comfort and well-being of the mother-to-be during the delicate period of gestation;
• Decrease myometrial contractions and muscle stiffness: due to its antispasmodic properties, CBD can help reduce myometrial contractions and muscle stiffness, providing natural relief and improving comfort during pregnancy without the use of potentially harmful drugs. Once the baby is born, CBD will still be useful in containing and combating menstrual pain;
• Relaxing the mind: CBD has been shown to have positive effects on mental well-being, reducing anxiety and stress. This is especially important during pregnancy, when worries increase. CBD offers a natural way to calm the mind and promote a calmer, more peaceful pregnancy.

CBD can also prove invaluable during bedtime (after medical consent), an extremely delicate moment for both mother and baby. But we will discuss this in more detail in the next section.

When and how to take CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding

CBD is often associated with smoking, but in reality, it is possible to benefit from its countless beneficial properties through other versions. We do not, in fact, want to talk about smoking CBD during pregnancy; instead, we will focus on alternative uses of this wondrous gift of nature.

When it comes to using CBD during pregnancy or breast-feeding, the main concern is the residual presence of THC in cannabis products. Hence, it is advisable to avoid taking CBD orally or by inhalation.

This precaution does not mean, however, that you have to completely forego the benefits of cannabidiol!

During pregnancy and lactation, it is possible to use CBD products that act locally on the skin, such as cosmetics. The latter prove to be perfect against skin irritation, redness and pain. Being topical products, there is no risk of absorption into the bloodstream or breast milk.

However, only a healthcare professional will be able to provide personalised advice and assess any individual risks. It is also a good idea to discuss the appropriate dosages and safest methods of use with your general practitioner.

CBD benefits against nausea and vomiting

A little technical clarification is in order: CBD is only one of several compounds present in the cannabis plant and is extracted for its interesting therapeutic properties. It obviously lacks the psychotropic effects associated with THC (another component of cannabis).

Among the many potential benefits of CBD is its ability to alleviate nausea and vomiting, especially in pregnant women, who often experience these symptoms more intensely and uncomfortably.

Experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, commonly known as “morning sickness”, is a condition that can actually occur at any time of day and can be associated with multiple factors, including hormonal changes, sensitivity to odours and sensitivity to tastes. 

CBD also proved positive performance on the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions, including nausea and vomiting. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, modulating the transmission of neural signals associated with these disorders.

CBD in pregnancy is also known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with nausea and vomiting. It is even able to reduce inflammation and neuronal excitation in the brain, helping the hypersensitive digestive system to reduce the feeling of sickness.

CBD and postpartum: can it make a difference?

Once breastfeeding has ended, or if you decide not to breasfeed, taking CBD may be useful for:

• Dealing with postpartum depression symptoms: Due to its relaxing and anxiolytic properties, CBD may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and emotional stress.
• Reducing anxiety and stress in a natural way: By acting on the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps relax the mind and better manage situations of tension and emotional overload.
• Improving sleep quality: CBD is known for promoting a deeper and more regular sleep, which is crucial for recovering energy during such a busy period.
• Supporting the endocannabinoid system and the immune system: CBD promotes body balance, supporting important functions such as immune response and physiological stress management.
• Relieving possible pain related to postpartum recovery: Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce muscle pain or physical discomfort typical of postpartum.
• Promoting relaxation without strong side effects: Unlike many drugs, CBD offers a calming effect without inducing addiction or excessive sedation.
• Promoting a general feeling of well-being: CBD may help you feel more energetic and positive, improving your ability to cope with the daily challenges of postpartum life. 

However, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking CBD or other substances, in order to ensure a safe use that is appropriate for your individual condition in this delicate phase.

Choose quality CBD products

While it is important to always seek medical advice when taking CBD products, it is equally crucial to turn to reputable sellers for their sourcing. This is the only way to be sure of using quality products that are 100% natural and free of toxic residues. 

Turning to uncertified sellers, on the other hand, means exposing yourself and your child to potential risks. Buying dubious or contaminated products can compromise the efficacy and safety of CBD.

Browsing our site, you will come across a variety of items: from herbal teas to candies, from creams to oil. When deciding which item will accompany you on your mum’s journey… you will be spoilt for choice! 

We firmly believe in the quality of our CBD oil and its therapeutic benefits. To ensure high standards, we have developed an exclusive process to remove any impurities that could compromise the golden colour of the oil, such as waxes or chlorophyll. 

This allows us to offer only products of the highest standard that are safe for health. Just browse through our assortment and choose your wellness allies!