Pregnancy is one of the precious stages of life for many women. More mothers are turning to new products that relieve them of their anxiety. One such therapeutic product that is turning pregnant women’s heads is CBD or cannabidiol.
If you are pregnant and interested in trying CBD, this article is for you. However, first, let us discuss the possible benefits and potential risks of using CBD during pregnancy.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural constituent of industrial hemp/cannabis. Research shows that CBD exhibits the characteristics of antidepressants and non-psychoactive properties. In addition, numerous health benefits are associated with Plain Jane CBD products, such as anti-cancer and neuroprotective qualities and its anti-inflammatory properties.
It regulates blood sugar levels, provides analgesic effects, and even reduces anxiety symptoms of those with past issues following trauma due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
However, is it effective for Moms to be? Let us find out:
CBD For Pregnant Women
CBD is touted to have a bevy of benefits, starting from pain relief to warding off anxiety-ridden thoughts. The component present in cannabidiol is from the hemp plant, and it is non-psychoactive, unlike marijuana which has lots of THC. CBD has less than 0.3% THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, promoting therapeutic properties.
It is available in every form imaginable, from sweet candies to CBD mocktails which serve as an alternative to wine. However, the variant loved by moms everywhere is a CBD-laced bath bomb that offers a relaxing feeling to sore muscles. In addition, its anti-inflammatory and anti-psychoactive properties serve as a massive advantage to mothers around the world.
Not only that, but also clinical research has shown that CBD, which is generally taken orally in tinctures or edibles, can be therapeutically helpful in managing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and seizure disorders.
There is clinical evidence that CBD can effectively suppress nausea and vomiting, both of which are common pregnancy-related symptoms. That is why a growing number of pregnant women are in favor or curious about using CBD.
Benefits of CBD For Pregnant Women
Pregnant women often have to deal with nausea, sleepless nights, and the stress of carrying a child full time. As you near your third trimester, things only intensify due to weight gain from baby and nesting hormones.
However, you cannot get comfortable no matter how many pillows or blankets you pile on your growing belly because the baby is too high up or running into other organs, causing pain.
Research in recent years has found that cannabidiol offers benefits such as relieving pain, reducing stress levels, increasing appetite, alleviating nausea associated with pregnancy (including morning sickness), and easing discomfort during labor.
What are the downsides of using CBD oil while pregnant?
Comprehensive research on how CBD affects prenatal development is hardly unavailable. Research shows that chemicals cross the placenta and reach the fetus when mothers smoke or eat marijuana. However, in some cases, even the lowest-dose products are not considered safe during pregnancy.
Of course, exposure to marijuana outside of pregnancy carries its health risks but becoming pregnant while using marijuana could pose substantial risks for your baby’s development as well.
Currently, there is no data to suggest that CBD carries the same risk as marijuana, but you need to be aware that it is a large market with fake products. Products advertised as “pure” CBD are contaminated are being sold around the internet, and you do not want any of these near your baby. Make thorough research and talk to a healthcare professional to know the appropriate step in this case.
What Do Moms Say About Using CBD?
Many moms have given a testimonial that it is used by women with a wide range of symptoms like morning sickness, stress, anxiety, and other aches that accompany pregnancy. It also helps with sleeplessness, food aversion, you name it.
Franky, a woman of 25 who was expecting in 2015, was suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a chronic condition. It includes symptoms of severe morning symptoms 20 to 30 times per day. That made her unable to nourish her baby correctly, and she was constantly dehydrated.
When the symptoms were getting worse, she researched CBD and discussed it with the doctor. She started with a 3 mg dose and was relieved the very first day. She started feeling better by moving freely, sleeping whenever, and reduced vomiting.
She experienced an improvement in her mood and a lessening of negative emotions. She also had less pain than before pregnancy. Overall, it made it easy to fall asleep.
What are the Disadvantages of CBD For Pregnant Women?
There is not enough evidence to conclude any of the following as guaranteed Adverse Effects of CBD:
- Teratogenic, meaning that it causes congenital disabilities.
- Mutagenic, meaning that it can cause your cells to make other mistakes when they copy their DNA.
- It inhibits bone growth in adults because high doses can be toxic to bone tissue.
Studies on CBD effects of pregnant women recommend that you practice caution if you take a lot of prescription medicine. CBD has been shown to cause adverse effects in developing male fetuses when given high doses in an animal test. Furthermore, based on what we already know about CBD, some milk passed to babies through their mothers’ breast milk will include this compound.
Some of the potential dangers to expect when using cannabis products during pregnancy are exposure to THC substances that may pose a risk for both the mother and fetus. There are reports that CBD might also contain harmful components like pesticides or more THC. It is better to do your research and choose the best one.
Conclusion
Overall, there are not many studies showing the effectiveness of CBD, but there are people who have claimed it has shown positive results. Pregnant mothers must be extra careful in times like this, and there are CBD products designed to suit their needs, like CBD mocktails to relax or CBD bath bombs to soak your swollen feet. While choosing a brand, make sure to trust the brand that displays the correct COA and ingredients.
