Six Years Later: Revisiting CBD Use During Pregnancy

Is CBD Safe During PregnancyCBD and Pregnancy: What We Know So Far

When I opened Happy Trails in June 2018, I was seven months pregnant with my first child. One of my top priorities was understanding the effects of CBD during pregnancy, so I could make informed decisions for myself and help others do the same. Now, six years later, I continue to hear the same question:

“Is CBD safe during pregnancy?”

While we still don’t have enough clinical research to make definitive medical claims, the body of evidence surrounding CBD use and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is growing. This information helps us better understand how CBD could potentially support the body’s balance during pregnancy.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Pregnancy

The ECS is a critical biological system that helps regulate key functions in the body, including mood, sleep, immune response, and more. The ECS consists of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids, which help maintain homeostasis—or balance—in the body.

During pregnancy, the ECS also plays a significant role. It influences placental development, hormonal balance, and fetal brain growth. For example:

• A 2021 study published in Nature Communications explored how the ECS supports fetal brain development, particularly in neuron growth and synapse formation. The introduction of external cannabinoids like CBD during pregnancy may influence this process, though further research is needed to fully understand the effects.
• A 2022 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that cannabinoids could potentially impact placental function and fetal outcomes, noting that the ECS is integral to healthy pregnancy progression.

Given that the ECS is crucial to maintaining balance in the body, we can infer that supporting the ECS with cannabinoids like CBD might promote overall wellness, potentially benefiting both mother and baby. While we don’t yet have medical studies proving this, we do know that when the ECS is functioning optimally, our bodies tend to be more balanced.

Why CBD May Be Beneficial During Pregnancy

Many women experience significant discomfort during pregnancy, including nausea, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and hormonal mood fluctuations. The balancing effect of CBD on the ECS suggests it may help alleviate some of these symptoms by promoting homeostasis.

Here are a few ways CBD could potentially help pregnant women manage common symptoms:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is a well-known issue during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Research suggests that CBD may interact with serotonin receptors, which play a role in nausea regulation. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, many women have reported relief from nausea through CBD use.
• Fatigue: The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy often lead to overwhelming fatigue. CBD’s impact on the ECS may help regulate energy levels by promoting better sleep and reducing the stress that can exacerbate fatigue.
• Anxiety and Depression: Pregnancy can bring about intense emotional shifts due to hormonal changes. Studies suggest that CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, which may be beneficial for expectant mothers dealing with pregnancy-related anxiety or depression.
• Insomnia: Poor sleep is common during pregnancy, especially in later trimesters as discomfort increases. CBD has been shown to interact with the ECS to regulate sleep cycles, potentially improving rest and sleep quality for pregnant women.
• Pain and Discomfort: As the body changes and the baby grows, back pain, joint discomfort, and muscle tension can increase. CBD topicals, such as creams or balms, may provide localized pain relief without the systemic effects that come from ingesting CBD.

While these potential benefits are promising, it's essential to emphasize that more research is needed to confirm the effects of CBD during pregnancy, particularly regarding long-term outcomes.

Research on CBD Safety During Pregnancy

In recent years, several studies have begun to explore the effects of CBD on pregnant women and their developing babies. These studies provide valuable insights, but they also highlight the need for continued caution:

• A 2023 study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that high doses of CBD could modulate immune responses in pregnant women, potentially affecting the maternal immune system’s critical role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.
• A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association raised concerns about the quality of over-the-counter CBD products, with many being mislabeled or containing contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents. These contaminants could be harmful to both mother and child, underscoring the importance of using high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products.

These findings emphasize the need to prioritize safety when considering CBD during pregnancy. Always choose products that have been rigorously tested for purity, potency, and contaminants. Look for What is a (Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from reputable labs and opt for organic, sustainably grown hemp to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Best Practices for CBD Use During Pregnancy

If you are considering using CBD during pregnancy, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Consult Reliable Sources: Stay informed by reading peer-reviewed research in medical journals like The Lancet, Nature, or Reproductive Toxicology. Most importantly, always consult your OB-GYN or healthcare provider before using CBD while pregnant.
2. Prioritize Safety: Only use third-party-tested, organic CBD products that provide detailed COAs. This ensures you’re consuming clean, high-quality products without harmful additives.
3. Consider Product Formulations: For those concerned about THC, CBD isolate products offer a THC-free option. For localized pain relief, consider using CBD topicals like creams or balms, which don’t enter the bloodstream but provide relief at the site of application.
4. Stay Informed: The research on CBD and pregnancy is still evolving. Stay updated on the latest studies to make the most informed decisions.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to CBD and Pregnancy

The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in both maternal and fetal health, suggesting that maintaining ECS balance may benefit pregnant women. While CBD shows potential in supporting the ECS, offering relief from nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and other pregnancy symptoms, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects during pregnancy.

As always, consult with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about using CBD while pregnant. At Happy Trails, we remain committed to providing high-quality, third-party-tested products that you can trust as part of your wellness journey.

Ready to learn more, read our prequel, Is CBD Safe During Pregnancy?

Still have questions? Schedule a consult here.