Pregnancy. This particularly wonderful—yet equally demanding—experience. Beyond the emotions it evokes, pregnancy requires close monitoring of the health of both the mother and the unborn child. Every food, liquid, or substance ingested—and even every cream applied to the body—is carefully scrutinized to rule out any risk to the developing baby.
CBD is known for its therapeutic effects, but it is nonetheless a unique substance. It is not a narcotic—far from it—but it is still a product with potent effects. So what about the idea of using CBD during pregnancy? Is it a good or bad idea? Are there any risks?
We'll give you all the details so you can get a clearer picture—and, most importantly, make the right decision.
CBD: Definition
Cannabis sativa. That’s the name to remember. It’s the Latin name for the well-known hemp plant. This plant produces what are known as cannabinoids, which include THC, CBN, and CBD.
CBD and THC do indeed come from the same plant, but they should not be confused. THC is associated with euphoria and psychoactive effects, while CBD is praised for its health benefits without any notable side effects. One is used to get high, while the other is used for relief.
Key facts: CBD has been legalized in France, as well as in most European countries. This legalization was made possible after many years of debate and scientific studies of all kinds. The WHO also took part in these discussions on CBD, highlighting its therapeutic effects and the fact that its use—even on a regular basis—poses no danger.
CBD is credited with numerous health benefits, which have built its reputation. The most notable of these are its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant, and relaxing effects. In addition, it is important to note that CBD poses absolutely no risk of addiction.
Physical Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is far from being a trivial phase for a woman’s body. Quite the opposite, in fact. Hormones, the cardiovascular system, organ function, brain processes, and muscle behavior—every part of the body undergoes a profound transformation.
Hormones are undoubtedly the most frequently discussed topic when it comes to pregnancy. It’s important to know that when a woman is pregnant, her hormonal balance changes significantly. Hormones are, first and foremost, molecules that have a direct influence on all of the body’s organs. They act as messengers and affect various bodily functions, such as reproduction, growth, mood, metabolism, and sleep.
Two weeks after the start of pregnancy, hormone levels peak before beginning a sharp decline. The placenta then takes over the production of progesterone and estrogen, two hormones essential for the proper development of the fetus. During this time, the pregnant woman is prone to uncontrollable fluctuations in her appetite, sleep quality, and mood. And these are just a few examples.
More generally, the lungs and heart are put under significant strain during pregnancy. A pregnant woman’s blood volume increases from 2,600 ml to 3,400 ml, and her blood pressure drops significantly. From a respiratory standpoint, pregnancy can quickly lead to hyperventilation or even dizziness. Given this, and since not all medications can be taken, more and more pregnant women are exploring the use of CBD.
Pregnancy: Do Not Smoke CBD Under Any Circumstances!
If you are pregnant, the first habit you must absolutely avoid is smoking. It doesn’t matter what the substance is—tobacco, e-liquid, cannabis, or CBD—there is no distinction. As soon as a substance is consumed by smoking, the healthy progression of the pregnancy and the baby’s health are seriously at risk.
Consequences such as miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental delays may occur. Therefore, smoking is strongly discouraged for all pregnant women—even CBD, despite its therapeutic effects.
Other CBD-based products
High Society has developed various lines of CBD-based products so that every type of consumer can find something that suits them. Oils, cosmetics, herbal teas, flowers, extracts… The selection is vast. But what about pregnant women? Is it safe to consume any form of CBD during pregnancy?
The answer is no. Not all products will have the same effect on the body, and the same is true for different CBD concentrations. For example, the higher the concentration of a CBD oil, the more intense its effects will be. This is particularly true for 10% CBD oil. Another example is CBD-based , which allow you to enjoy the relaxing effects of CBD simply by applying them to the skin.
Therefore, the risk to pregnancy from consuming CBD orally or applying it topically to the skin is not the same. In general, we strongly recommend that you first seek medical advice from your doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.
The lack of scientific perspective
It would be wrong to say that CBD poses no risk during pregnancy. At this point, we do not yet have enough scientific data on this issue. Therefore, there is still some uncertainty regarding CBD and pregnancy.
Research on the cannabidiol molecule has only been conducted for a few years. During this time, scientists have analyzed CBD’s effects on health, as well as its ability to relieve stress, osteoarthritis, and even symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, the use of CBD during pregnancy has not yet been extensively studied.
The risk that CBD use could have adverse effects on the baby’s development has not been ruled out at all, so caution is advised.
