CBD and Pregnancy

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Pregnancy comes with many symptoms and side effects, which may range from mildly uncomfortable to more serious conditions. If you’re getting set to welcome new life into the world, one of your concerns will likely be how to make the process as seamless as possible.

Hopefully, you are in regular consultations with your doctor, as this is the best way to get safe and reliable medical guidance. One of the tips they will certainly offer is that you adjust your diet by excluding unhealthy food items and replacing these with high-value nutrients.

CBD-based supplements, in particular, can help to promote overall health and well-being and alleviate many of the symptoms suffered by pregnant women.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most popular active components of Cannabis Sativa plants. Another popular component is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive agent found in cannabis plants. In other words, THC is the compound responsible for the feelings of “high” associated with marijuana.

Although they both have the same roots, they have very different effects on the human mind and body. The most glaring difference is the fact that CBD cannot induce the “high” that THC is famous for. On the contrary, it might even help to counter those effects.

CBD has been found to have a wide variety of health benefits including alleviation of pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and nausea. As most of these symptoms are common in pregnancy, it’s no surprise that quite a lot of pregnant women are picking up an interest in CBD.

Is CBD Safe for Pregnant Women and their Unborn Children?

The FDA and several medical associations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly caution against the use of cannabis during pregnancy. This is because studies that have explored the effects of cannabis on pregnant women show that there is a risk of harm to both the mother and the fetus.

One review of 24 studies centered on outcomes after exposure of pregnant women to cannabis found that mothers who used cannabis had a higher chance of suffering from anemia when compared to mothers who didn't. Also, children born to cannabis-using mothers were more likely to be born prematurely, have a low birth weight, and end up in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Studies also suggest that cannabis use by a mother during pregnancy might affect her child’s neurological development and cause problems such as poor memory, attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Using cannabis whilst breastfeeding is also not advisable because studies have found that THC can be excreted into breast milk and it may affect early childhood development.

It is important to note, however, that the above-mentioned studies focused on marijuana and THC, not on CBD specifically. CBD is a unique cannabinoid that has been found to have a high safety profile and a very short list of side effects in the general populace. At the moment, however, no study has explored the effects of CBD – in isolation – on pregnant women.

What Pregnancy-related Issues can CBD Potentially Relieve?

While there aren’t enough scientific studies to confirm the full effects of the use of CBD in pregnant women, there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence showing that many pregnant and breastfeeding women have used CBD to combat certain symptoms with positive results.

The positive effects of CBD are also well-documented in research. Some pregnancy-related issues CBD may help with are:

1. Nausea/Morning Sickness

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women. For some, it is just a mild annoyance. But for others, it is debilitating, occurring dozens of times throughout the day and leading to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss. This extreme form of morning sickness is referred to as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. As CBD has been shown to be useful in combatting nausea, it may provide some relief.

2. Aches

Due to hormonal and physical changes that take place during pregnancy, aches are common. Touted for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, CBD could help.

3. Insomnia

Sufficient rest is important for both the mother and the fetus but, according to some studies, 66 to 94% of pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping. Sleeping problems may be associated with increased labor pain, increased rates of Caesarean sections, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. CBD, which has been shown to help improve sleep, may be an effective remedy.

4. Anxiety

There is a high prevalence of generalized anxiety in women during and soon after pregnancy. CBD has been found to be beneficial in combatting anxiety and may be useful in such cases.

CBD has a wide range of applications and health benefits that are well-documented. While there are no studies that currently specifically address how CBD might interact with the body and symptoms of pregnant women, lots of pregnant women have safely and successfully used this amazing compound to ease their pregnancy-related symptoms. To be safe, simply use it in moderation.