How about CBD in pregnancy?

We already know that CBD (cannabidiol) is quite well known for its great health effects. But what about CBD during pregnancy? Can women take it or not? So let’s talk a little more about it.

CBD in terms of composition

CBD is one of over a hundred different compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is important to note that CBD is not a psychoactive substance and does not have the same effect as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes intoxicating effects, as marijuana is known to do. This information is very important because many people associate CBD with the effects of marijuana, which is not true at all.

CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and can then be processed into various forms, including CBD oils, capsules, hemp cosmetics, CBD ointments and other products.

It has a similar chemical structure to compounds that exist naturally in the human body, which are endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids have a major role in maintaining balance in the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various processes in the body to achieve homeostasis. And it is for this reason too that there is no harm in taking CBD, which has a beneficial effect on health. You can read more about its effects in our article What is CBD (cannabidiol) and what are its effects? But how is it in pregnancy?

CBD in pregnancy

You will have noticed that during pregnancy, topics such as the use of various medications or nutritional supplements are often the subject of much discussion. So, of course, the issue of CBD and pregnancy also comes up very often.

First of all, we all know that pregnancy is not a disease. However, during pregnancy, and primarily during the first trimester, a woman may experience various hormonal changes, such as anxiety, sleep problems, weakness, fatigue and the like. Among the effects of CBD, it is generally known that some compounds from cannabis have the ability to help alleviate unpleasant symptoms (insomnia, bad mood…), i.e. what a woman may experience during pregnancy.

Currently, there are no specific prohibitions regarding the use of CBD during pregnancy, but it is very important to consult this issue with your doctor.

Benefits of taking CBD during pregnancy

First of all, we will at least briefly mention the benefits of CBD on human health. It has antioxidant properties, relieves pain and inflammation, fights insomnia, fights cancer cells, helps with neurodegenerative diseases and so on.

This is why more and more pregnant women are trying to find out if it is possible to take CBD during pregnancy. From a purely theoretical point of view, it could be said that taking CBD during pregnancy has quite a few benefits. However, given that there have been no proven studies done to indicate whether or not it happens to be harmful to a woman and her fetus, the sensible solution is to not encourage anyone to take CBD while pregnant. In short, it is preferable not to recommend it, but it is always a personal decision for each individual woman to make and also in consultation with her doctor.

Risks associated with CBD during pregnancy

Although there are potential benefits, there are also risks associated with taking CBD during pregnancy:

First and foremost, it’s a lack of research. As we’ve already mentioned to you, there is limited and especially minimal research on whether CBD use in pregnancy is safe. Well, the lack of evidence means that it’s impossible to determine exactly how CBD may affect the fetus and the pregnant woman.

Secondly, CBD use in pregnancy can potentially have a negative effect on the fetus. Although CBD has no psychoactive effects, the proportion of THC in CBD is usually less than 0.2% and thus contains full trace amounts. Therefore, some gynaecologists and obstetricians urge pregnant women to avoid using CBD in pregnancy, as THC can have a bad effect on fetal development and it is possible that this could lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Lastly, there is also the problem of estimating the exact dosage. It is difficult to determine the correct dosage of CBD in pregnancy, because each organism is different and individually needs a different amount of this substance.

So, despite the benefits of CBD, be sure to carefully consider the potential risks of cannabidiol use during pregnancy.

CBD during breastfeeding

As with pregnancy, breastfeeding women should be very careful when taking CBD. CBD can be excreted in breast milk, which can affect your baby. If you are considering taking CBD while breastfeeding, it is essential to consult a doctor as well. However, if you do decide to take CBD while breastfeeding, be sure to get the highest quality CBD where you can be 100% sure of its composition.

When is it important to stop taking CBD

First and foremost, definitely if you have already taken CBD but found out you are pregnant. As we’ve mentioned before, it’s not 100% certain that taking CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding is okay. So, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and your doctor has not advised you to take CBD, it is imperative that you respect his or her advice. The safety and health of your baby should always come first.

The topic of taking CBD in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is complicated. It is important to discuss your options and concerns with your doctor, who can give you the best advice based on your specific situation. In case you are unsure, you may prefer to start taking it after you have given birth to your baby and are finished breastfeeding.

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