Some expectant mothers swear by the effects of CBD to help them deal with everything from stress to morning sickness brought on by pregnancy. New mothers also are increasingly using CBD products to remedy the anxiety and life changes brought on by adding a new little one to the family. However, is it safe for expectant and new mothers to be using CBD products?
Unfortunately, the jury is still out when it comes to this issue. Simply put, we still aren’t completely sure whether or not these products are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before jumping on the internet bandwagon of those who swear by these products, it is important to consider what is currently being said about the use of CBD products while pregnant or breastfeeding:
Using CBD products while pregnant or breastfeeding is not currently recommended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other well-respected medical groups currently advise that pregnant and breastfeeding women not use CBD products while pregnant and while actively breastfeeding. This recommendation stands for not only products taken through ingestion such as eating or drinking but also applies to topical products such as lotions, creams, and salves.
Information on effects is still very limited
As of now, there still have not been enough studies to officially conclude what the effects of CBD are on unborn or breastfeeding babies. This is the main reason why experts are advising against use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Some studies have shown adverse effects in those using CBD products. However, further studies are required to confirm whether this was from CBD itself or from contaminants that may have been present in the product.
Not all CBD products are created equal 
The CBD industry is not well regulated. In one study, 84 CBD products were tested by researchers. For many of the products, it was concluded that the labels were inaccurate. Some contained less (or much more) CBD than was being reported on the label. Worse than this, some of these products contained undisclosed levels of THC. This would be of particular concern to a pregnant or breastfeeding mother because THC crosses the placenta. For this reason, even if CBD is eventually found to be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, it would be important to buy reputable products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
The truth is, there are a lot more questions than answers when it comes to CBD products and their use by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Although experts are currently advising against CBD use, it is not considered a “high-risk” activity. However, it is still currently recommended for women to find alternative methods for coping with stress that doesn’t involve substances while they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is easy to see why pregnant and new moms may be intrigued by the potential effects and relief CBD could provide for the many symptoms that are brought on during pregnancy. However, talking with your OB and lactation consultant about best practices to handle symptoms such as insomnia, morning sickness, anxiety, and depression is currently what is being recommended.
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Sources:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00872-w
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-should-know-about-using-cannabis-including-cbd-when-pregnant-or-breastfeeding
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/cbd-oil-during-pregnancy-75586/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/sns-tft-pregnancy-cbd-breastfeeding-20200519-csiwoq4zfzhcnkpy4n7zspob7u-story.html
