CBD and Pregnancy

​From anxiety to nausea, cannabidiol is becoming a treatment option that completely eschews the pharmaceutical industry. But since it comes from the cannabis plant, is it really okay to use you're pregnant? 

The relief and treatments that CBD addresses ranges of ailments, including stress and pain and for those expecting, morning sickness would certainly fall under the heading.

​The growing acceptance and legality of marijuana in many states have unleashed a flood of CBD oil products on the market. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a jury is out. Furthermore, a regulation in terms of dosage, formulation or method of delivery is not standard in the industry. 

Instead, it's up to the consumer to really be selective in the buying process. 

Now, CBD oil, which comes from the cannabis plant, doesn't seem to be addictive, it has not been clinically tested to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

What Makes CBD Oil Suspect?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting the essence with a neutral, usually edible oil like coconut oil. 

Unlike THC, CBD is touted for its medicinal properties but doesn't give you a buzz. People use CBD oil by putting a few drops under the tongue, applying it to the skin or inhaling a vapor. Proponents say it has a calming effect that helps with stress and sleep.

What is CBD oil used for?

Most people who use CBD oil are seeking relief. Symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea

While there is research on its use as a treatment for a variety of more serious conditions, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and even traumatic brain injury, doctors warn that it can interfere with other medications and may cause side effects including depression.

Is CBD Oil Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

While there's scant research on the use of CBD oil during pregnancy, experts say to avoid it. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should not use marijuana or any of its byproducts, including medical marijuana. Studies show that marijuana use during pregnancy can lead to smaller babies with lower birth weight and other unwanted outcomes.

If you have used CBD then make sure to mention it to your practitioner.

Though there is evidence that the active ingredients in marijuana can harm a developing baby, the existing research has looked mainly at repeated, regular use among pregnant women.

If you are pregnant and tempted to try CBD oil, the best thing to do is to discuss it with your doctor. 

He or she can offer other, pregnancy-safe ways to improve your symptoms and advise you of all the current research if you're unsure what is outdated. 

Many practicing physicians use a site called uptodate.com

This site features the most recent peer-reviewed studies regarding medical application and practice. CBD is among the current clinical trials in the United States that are being actively updated. 

As we all know, what is accepted scientific knowledge is always changing. 
 
What are the possible risks or downsides of using CBD oil while pregnant?

Comprehensive research on healthy pregnant women and CBD doesn't yet exist. But even the lowest-dose products aren't considered safe during pregnancy. Exposure to marijuana could disrupt normal fetal brain development. Although there is no data to suggest CBD oil alone carries these risks.

Nonetheless, CBD oil is a new and largely unregulated market. There are scores of case reports of products marketed as "pure" CBD contaminated with substances you want nowhere near a growing baby, including THC, pesticides, toxic metals, and bacteria.

Is CBD oil safe to use while breastfeeding? What are some of the risks?

While there are no studies on the use of CBD oil use while breastfeeding, experts advise against that too. Studies show that chemicals ingested during marijuana use can be passed through breast milk, potentially affecting your little one (though there are no studies that directly show how CBD oil could affect a nursing baby). Another reason to skip CBD oil while nursing: Using it could make you feel sleepy or slightly intoxicated, so you risk having impaired judgment while caring for your child.

What are alternatives to CBD oil when I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, your body creates a warm, nurturing environment for your baby — and a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms for the mother. Surging hormones, shifting fluids and a burgeoning bump in your midsection can cause nausea (in the morning and anytime, especially during the first trimester), insomnia, moodiness, and anxiety. Coping with drugs or alcohol isn't safe, but there is a range of options to manage your symptoms and help you feel better:

Nausea: One surprising strategy for nipping nausea in the bud is to eat, even if the thought of food turns your stomach. Try munching on smaller snacks and meals more often, and make sure your stomach never gets completely empty (that's when you're more likely to retch).

If you're worried about being overcome with bouts of morning sickness make sure to stay hydrated and keep nutritious food on hand. 

As we suggested before, use Uptodate.com as a resource when discussing issues with your medical provider. If you've had experiences in this realm please share with us in the comments. 

Happy Information Friday!