Over the previous two years, using CBD products have become a popular trend all across the United States. Consumers are quick to rave about the benefits they are getting for everything from nausea to stress and anxiety, both of which can be a common effect of being pregnant. However, with CBD oil being extracted from the cannabis plant, is it safe to use a CBD product if you are expecting?
People of all ages in many different areas of the world are using CBD oil to treat ailments. Everything from the health and beauty of skin, stress, upset stomach, getting a better night of rest, even cancer patients are finding relief from CBD oil. All over the country, people are becoming more accepting of CBD oil. More people are starting to see it as treatment as they learn it’s nothing like smoking marijuana, a common misconception. Many products are now being made with CBD including lotion, candy, chewing gum, even e-juices are now being made with CBD oil.
That being said, as of right now, there isn’t one of these products that have been approved by the FDA. As far as methods of delivery, how it’s formulated, and dosage, CBD is not even being federally regulated. While there’s nothing so far demonstrating CBD oil can be addictive or even habit-forming, because it is extracted from the cannabis plant, there is nothing showing it would be safe for someone to use who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
What is CBD?
CBD oil, cannabidiol, is processed by being extracted from the cannabis plant. The essence is then diluted with an oil that is not the only natural, but it is also edible more often not. This is what makes CBD different from THC. CBD is consumed for properties that are beneficial for medical use, not getting high like with THC in marijuana.
There are several different methods of use with CBD oil. One that has become most popular is placing a few drops under the tongue and waiting 20-45 seconds before swallowing. Also, CBD can be used as a skin cream or lotion. It can be eaten or mixed with a beverage or taken as a capsule or gel cap. These aren’t the only methods of using CBD oil. They are just a few that are the most popular.
Why use CBD oil?
The majority of CBD consumers use a product to find relief from nausea, insomnia, anxiety, pain, or depression. Again, there are many other reasons for using a CBD product. These are just a few of the most common reasons. Regardless of why you are using CBD, there is still a lot of study and research needing to be completed. You need to know that using CBD oil always poses a risk of interfering with any other medications you are taking, regardless if they are purchased over the counter or being prescribed by your doctor.
If you are someone who has been considering using CBD oil, be sure you talk to your doctor first. Be prepared for the conversation. Be prepared to discuss exactly why you want to use CBD, the results you are hoping to experience, what you have heard others looking for similar results are experiencing. If you are regularly taking any medication in any form, it needs to be brought up in the conversation.
If I’m pregnant, is CBD safe?
This is one of the areas where there hasn’t been a lot of study or research. Still, almost all experts with any knowledge on the topic are highly against pregnant women using CBD oil. The ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, says CBD should not be taken if you are pregnant, or even if pregnancy might be something in the near future. Just to be short, this means, if you are trying to become pregnant, CBD oil isn’t something you want to be using.
The use of CBD by pregnant women could lead to babies being born smaller than average, being underweight, and other outcomes that are unhealthy and dangerous for the child. These are also common effects of women who smoke marijuana while pregnant. With CBD oil also coming from the cannabis plant, it’s fair to believe the same results could happen. Again, there is still a lot of research needing to be done. This is simply one of the areas where it is definitely better to be safe than sorry.
Not like every other industry, there are plenty of bad companies and brands in the CBD industry. With CBD oil not being federally regulated, we are constantly hearing of a company advertising their products as something other than they are. Normally, there is a very, very low level of THC in CBD products, if any at all. Still, without these products being regulated federally, there’s no way to crack down on the companies giving the industry a bad look. It’s too easy to take something you are not knowingly taking with many CBD brands.
CBD alternatives if you’re pregnant
A nurturing and warm environment is created for your baby while you are pregnant. This being said, if you are the one carrying that baby and its environment, this can be very uncomfortable for you. Your hormones will be surging. Fluids are going to shift and any unexpected bump could leave you feeling nauseous and ready to get sick. There will be nights you can’t fall asleep, regardless of how tired you are.No matter what you do to prevent it from happening, you are going to be moody. Very moody. Just ask your mom.
It is unsafe for both you and the baby for you to turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort. There will even be legal medications you want to stay away from during your pregnancy and the following weeks. Still, there are a few options you have for managing the symptoms you will experience helping you feel better.
Insomnia
Any great mom will have advice and suggestions for you here. You can try drinking warm milk to help fall asleep. Plenty of pregnant women enjoy soaking in a warm bubble bath when they are looking for a better night’s rest. Any loving husband or boyfriend will gladly message your feet if it helps you sleep better. Still, if none of the above work, talk to your doctor. There are plenty of medications you can still take that can be purchased over the counter, as well as a few a doctor can prescribe if needed.
Taking a sleep aid is a big no-no. This includes any kind of herbal tea or supplement that is marketed as being natural. Make sure you discuss this with a practitioner if it’s something you are considering.
Depression and anxiety
If you are pregnant, it is only a matter of time before you realize crying, irrational fears, and moodiness can happen at a moment’s notice. There usually isn’t any kind of a warning. This is true even with women who are overjoyed with the fact of being pregnant. This is nothing you are doing wrong. It just happens. Your body will change. Hormones are going to go crazy. Due to not getting enough sleep and feeling isolated socially, you are going to feel stressed out and worried. Again, this is nothing you are doing wrong. These are all part of the joys of motherhood.
Talk therapy is a popular answer according to many studies. You will want to make sure you are taking care of yourself and your mental, physical, and emotional needs. Make sure you are discussing exactly how you feel, especially with your doctor or a therapist. Do not take any kind of medication without having a discussion with your doctor or medical prescriber. There are several different antidepressant medications you can take while pregnant if you’re honest enough to tell your doctor how you are feeling.