Can you take CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
At this time, it's still unclear whether CBD would have a negative impact on the newborn. One thing is certain: the effects can be very positive for the mother, as medical cannabis can relieve pain and reduce nausea.
A priori, CBD is a natural substance that poses no health risks to adults. And most importantly, CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects. However, CBD's widespread adoption is still recent, and doctors lack perspective on the potential risks to the fetus.
In any case, pregnancy and breastfeeding are delicate periods where it is best to discuss them with a health professional before making a decision.
If you are a pregnant woman and you are suffering from nausea, intense pain, stress and anxiety , discover how CBD can help you and what recommendations to take into account during this magical yet difficult time.
What is CBD?
As a reminder, CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp plants. Although it is often confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is another cannabinoid from the same plant, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. It is particularly known for its therapeutic properties and its regulatory action on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) .
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD does not appear to be subject to abuse and is not harmful to health. Although CBD is not considered a drug, unlike THC, which is illegal, it still sparks debate, particularly among vulnerable people, such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
The effects of CBD on pregnancy
Pregnancy is certainly a unique and very important stage in a woman's life. But it is also a period of suffering that sometimes lasts for 9 months. Between nausea, vomiting, pain, and other symptoms , it is sometimes complicated to live normally and serenely.
Furthermore, many medications are prohibited for pregnant women, which once again limits the possibilities of finding an adequate solution to relieve their pain.
This is why more and more pregnant women are turning to natural methods such as CBD to limit the pain and restrictive symptoms of pregnancy. A natural product derived from the cannabis plant, CBD has anesthetic and anxiolytic properties. In other words, it helps fight stress and anxiety, it relieves pain, headaches, nausea and aches .
In addition to being effective for the mother, CBD is also said to be beneficial for fetal growth. According to a series of studies conducted in 2004, CBD has a stimulating effect on the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor; a neurotransmitter essential for the proper development of the nervous system in the fetus and newborn.
Other studies suggest that CBD would have no impact on the development of the embryo. In any case, no scientific research speaks of a negative effect for the child. Unlike THC , CBD is not one of the elements to be avoided during pregnancy and there are no specific contraindications linked to gestation. Today, CBD would be one of the only effective solutions for the mother that does not represent any threat to the child.
The effects of CBD on breastfeeding
First of all, it is important to remember that research on the human endocannabinoid system and therefore, the link between CBD and endocannabinoids, is still ongoing. It is therefore recommended to proceed with caution and seek advice from your doctor before consuming CBD while breastfeeding .
That being said, it is important to know that a scientific study was conducted on 50 breastfeeding women to measure the levels of CBD and THC present in breast milk. The results speak for themselves: THC was detectable in 63% of samples, while CBD was not detected in any sample. Although CBD is undetectable in breast milk, scientists emphasize the stimulation of the endocannabinoid 2-AG which plays a fundamental role in newborns .
By stimulating this neurotransmitter, CBD stimulates appetite and activates the tongue muscles, which is essential during lactation. Regarding the mother, there are several reasons why she might take CBD while breastfeeding. And one of the main reasons may be postpartum depression (PPD) .
This disorder is characterized by fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, and a feeling of detachment . The problem is that this disorder is usually treated by taking antidepressants, which are completely incompatible with breastfeeding.
So, could a mother suffering from PPD turn to CBD to continue breastfeeding without endangering her baby ? Researchers are unanimous: CBD has therapeutic qualities and helps reduce anxiety without altering the body.
What form of CBD should I use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A quality CBD product is one that is THC-free and poses no risk to either the mother or child. Therefore, you can choose CBD oil for sublingual use, CBD cosmetics (cream, gel, shampoo, etc.) for topical application, or CBD-based drinks and foods for ingestion.
If you have the time, you can create your own preparations by infusing CBD flowers into herbal tea or incorporating it in small doses into your meals. Whatever the case, it's important to choose a form of CBD that provides relaxing effects and isn't a burden for either you or your child.
Is CBD tea suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women often turn to CBD teas and infusions because they are the healthiest way to consume it. While there are many ways to consume CBD, it seems to go without saying that CBD should not be smoked during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Whether it's CBD, THC, or tobacco, simply smoking is extremely dangerous for the health of both the mother and the child.
CBD infusion or herbal tea can be consumed like many other herbal teas. In this case, CBD infusion helps relieve pregnancy-related ailments, without any risk to the mother or the baby. On the contrary, this relaxing and comforting herbal tea contributes to their good health and well-being, in a gentle and natural way .
The lack of scientific studies to identify the risks of CBD during pregnancy
Internationally, medical research and scientific studies give us two opinions: either the effects of CBD are positive (development of the fetus, optimization of breastfeeding), or there is no effect on the child . In both cases, there are never any side effects or risks mentioned.
Although research is still ongoing and it is still difficult to know for sure whether or not it is possible to consume CBD during breastfeeding and pregnancy, researchers are rather optimistic . So, to answer the question: can you take CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The answer is yes, some women already do it and there is no problem. There are no prohibitions or contraindications regarding the use of CBD during pregnancy and maternity .
Although you are free to purchase CBD, you should always seek professional advice during pregnancy and, above all, keep in mind that some doctors will advise you not to consume it simply as a precaution.
Is CBD safe for children?
Nausea and fatigue are the only known side effects of CBD today. Nothing harmful or serious compared to all the benefits it can bring, even to children.
When can children consume CBD?
Some children use CBD for medical purposes, particularly for epileptic conditions. Thanks to CBD, many children have seen their seizure frequency drastically reduced, even when drug treatments were ineffective.
