Is CBD Cream Safe During Pregnancy? What Moms-to-Be Need to Know Now
If you’re pregnant and dealing with sore joints, sleep issues, or anxiety, you might be wondering whether CBD cream is a safe way to find some relief.
After all, many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) products hoping to avoid traditional medications during pregnancy. But before reaching for a topical CBD cream, it’s important to understand what research actually says about CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
At Green Revolution, we know pregnancy can be overwhelming. From constantly changing information to growing lists of things to avoid, it’s no wonder so many expecting mothers feel confused. Let’s break it down together and explore whether it’s safe to use CBD while pregnant, especially in cream form.
What is CBD and How Does It Work?
Before diving into the details of CBD cream safety, let’s clarify what we’re talking about.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant.
It’s not psychoactive like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gets you high. Instead, CBD is often used in various forms, from oils to edibles to lotions, for relief from pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
When applied as a lotion or cream (a topical), CBD interacts with local cannabinoid receptors in your skin, not your bloodstream. This is one reason people assume CBD topicals could be safer during pregnancy.
But even if CBD “stays local,” is it still safe to use during pregnancy?
CBD Cream and Pregnancy: What the Research Actually Says
Lack of Research on Topical CBD Use During Pregnancy
Right now, there is a lack of research on the health effects of using CBD, particularly topical CBD, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Most studies on CBD in pregnancy have looked at animals or focused on high doses of CBD taken orally. For example:
- Some mouse studies have raised concerns about the effects of CBD on fetal brain development.
- Animal data suggest possible harmful effects of CBD when exposed to high doses during prenatal development, including lower birth weight and changes to cognition.
However, very little data exists on topical CBD products during pregnancy. Without this, we cannot assume CBD creams are completely safe to use.
Health care providers emphasize caution. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly advises that during pregnancy, people should avoid using cannabis in any form, including CBD, due to uncertain risks to the fetus.
Is Any CBD Product Approved for Pregnancy Use?
No. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any CBD products for use during pregnancy. In fact, the FDA warns against using cannabis or any CBD products during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the unknown long-term effects.
They cite concerns including:
- The potential for CBD products to be contaminated with THC or other harmful substances such as pesticides, bacteria, or heavy metals.
- Reports of CBD potentially containing other contaminants not listed on the label.
- The possibility that CBD may interact with other medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are sometimes used to treat anxiety during pregnancy.
So even though a cream seems harmless, it may still carry risk if not properly tested and regulated.
CBD Use During Pregnancy: Key Considerations
When evaluating CBD products during pregnancy, here are several important factors to think about:
- Type of product: Topical CBD (like a lotion or cream) may be lower risk than oils or edibles but is still not proven to be safe during pregnancy.
- Amount of CBD: High doses of CBD are more likely to lead to systemic side effects, even with topical exposure.
- Contaminants: CBD products are not always regulated, and you may unknowingly use a product containing THC, fungus, or other harmful substances.
- Lack of human studies: Most information about the effects of CBD in pregnancy comes from animal studies or anecdotal reports.
- CBD may interact with medications you’re taking, including those prescribed during pregnancy or prior to pregnancy.
Always talk to your physician, OB-GYN, or other health professional before deciding to use CBD while pregnant. Even those labeled “natural” or “organic” may still pose hidden risks.
What About CBD for Breastfeeding Mothers?
The FDA and pediatric experts also recommend against CBD use by nursing mothers.
We still don’t know how much CBD will be transferred through breast milk, or how it could affect an infant’s brain development or circulatory system.
Even though many mothers seek relief from anxiety, sleep problems, or pain postpartum, CBD while breastfeeding could expose the baby to potential contaminants or unknown cannabinoids.
Products while pregnant or breastfeeding simply have not been studied enough.
Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: What You Should Know
Using cannabis – whether smoking marijuana, ingesting edibles, or using cannabis lotions – carries known and potential risks during pregnancy.
Health researchers have documented the harmful effects of marijuana use during pregnancy, including:
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Impaired childhood brain development
Using cannabis products while pregnant, even topically, could raise these risks. It’s especially concerning that cannabis products may be mislabeled or contain undisclosed amounts of THC, which crosses the placenta and affects the fetus.
Do Any Experts Say CBD Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Currently, no major medical organization has declared that CBD is safe to use during pregnancy. In fact:
- The FDA and most health care providers recommend avoiding CBD products during pregnancy and lactation.
- The use of cannabidiol, even in low topical doses, carries unknown risks.
- No one CBD product on the market today has been deemed safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s always best to assume CBD is not safe during pregnancy unless new, solid evidence emerges, especially when you’re making decisions that could affect your baby during pregnancy and beyond.
What About Moms Who’ve Already Used CBD During Pregnancy?
If you used CBD during pregnancy, especially before knowing you were pregnant, don’t panic.
Many moms have used CBD products during pregnancy unintentionally without known serious effects.
Just be sure to inform your OB or midwife about any recent cannabis or cannabidiol exposure.
This can help guide any extra monitoring or evaluation during childbirth or postnatal care.
Exploring Alternatives to CBD During Pregnancy
If you’re thinking of using CBD to manage pregnancy-related issues like nausea and vomiting, anxiety, pain, or sleep troubles, there may be safer, research-backed alternatives to try.
Here are just a few non-CBD ways to manage common pregnancy concerns:
- For pain relief: Prenatal massage, targeted stretching, or physical therapy.
- For sleep support: Warm baths, aromatherapy (with essential oils approved for pregnancy), or meditation.
- For anxiety: Prenatal counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy.
- For nausea: Vitamin B6 or ginger supplements, under the guidance of your doctor.
Always consult a physician or trained health care provider before starting any new medication, dietary supplement, or topical therapy during pregnancy.
When Might Topical CBD Be Considered?
In very limited cases, patients may discuss topical CBD with their health care provider when other pain options are not safe or effective. For example, some alternative practitioners may explore options like Solace CBD topical cream when other creams or ointments fail.
However, any form of CBD use during pregnancy should be physician-guided and only considered if absolutely necessary. This includes using CBD lotions, creams, or even bath products containing CBD.
Bottom Line: Is It Safe to Use CBD Cream While Pregnant?
Given the lack of research, the potential for CBD products to be contaminated, and the risk of unknown long-term effects on babies during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid using CBD creams while pregnant.
- There are currently no approved CBD products for pregnancy.
- Data around topical CBD in pregnancy is not available to confirm its safety.
- Cannabis use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is widely discouraged by medical experts.
- Even supposedly “pure” creams may contain harmful adulterants or interact with medications.
Until stronger evidence and regulatory guidance become available, pregnant women in Poulsbo, WA, and elsewhere should avoid using CBD cream and opt for safer, better-studied options.
Still Curious? We’re Here to Help.
At Green Revolution, we believe in empowering you with trustworthy, research-backed information. If you have questions about CBD during pregnancy, or want help evaluating safe alternatives, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our wellness resources.
You can also learn more about our clean, tested topicals like Solace CBD topical cream – designed with purity and transparency in mind (but not for pregnancy use).
Stay informed, talk to your doctor, and always prioritize safety for both you and your baby. Your health matters, now more than ever.
