Can You Use CBD Cream When Pregnant?

Cannabidiol (CBD) creams are topicals enriched with different concentrations of cannabidiol compounds. They are well-tolerated and safe for most consumers but not for pregnant women. Here is the reason!

Cannabidiol (CBD) creams are topical creams enriched with different concentrations of cannabis derivatives. These products hydrate and revitalize the skin with their marvelous ingredients, thus improving skin wellness and health. For this reason, more women are using cannabidiol creams to control stretch marks and release localized discomfort during pregnancy. 

Other women even consider products such as cannabidiol oil to relieve insomnia, pain, and anxiety. Cannabidiol cream does not enter the bloodstream like other CBD consumption methods. The demand for these products makes them popular among pregnant women.

Are CBD Creams Safe?

Although federal law has legalized CBD products, they are not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This implies that you must believe that manufacturers are following eco-friendly extraction techniques, pure organic farming activities, and comprehensive independent third-party laboratory testing; this guarantees that your Cannabidiol cream has no contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, or pesticides.

Why are Expectant Women Considering CBD Usage?

Cannabidiol is a cannabis-sourced compound from marijuana (cannabis sativa) or hemp plants. Cannabidiol products derived from hemp are federally lawful since they have 0.3 percent or below THC; this amount is insufficient to cause high effects, thus being legalized at the federal level. Cannabidiol uses various mechanisms to generate a broad variety of health aids. It modulates the endocannabinoid system, which regulates several body processes such as metabolism, homeostasis (body balance), fertilization, pain sensation, sleep, anxiety, and immune response. 

These benefits sound attractive to pregnant women, considering the adjustments in their bodies during pregnancy. Most of these women are considering cannabidiol for fatigue, sleeplessness, pain, anxiety, nausea, and mood fluctuations resulting from hormonal shifts. Most researchers believe that these effects are major medicinal properties of Cannabidiol. Pregnancy is an incredibly delicate period in women's lives in terms of body physiological and hormonal changes. Therefore, you should know whether Cannabidiol products are health-friendly for expectant mothers like those without pregnancy.

Does Cannabidiol Cream Reach the Bloodstream?

Marín et al. (2015) defined bioavailability as the remaining amount of a product that enters the bloodstream after undergoing metabolism in the liver. It is the main aspect of concern when taking Cannabidiol creams during pregnancy. Vaporized Cannabidiol has the greatest bioavailability, followed by under-the-tongue (sublingual) and oral consumption. 

With topicals such as Cannabidiol cream, you can hardly determine the bioavailability. Theoretically, no component of this product enters the bloodstream. According to Marvin et al. (2022), cannabinoids do not enter deeper skin layers unless when using transdermal products. Rather, cannabidiol interrelates with the human cutaneous endocannabinoid system, particularly with the CB2 neurotransmitters. Before you buy any cannabidiol merchandise while pregnant, consult your medical practitioner. Doing so will help you shun risks but enjoy the benefits. 

What Are Mothers Saying Concerning Using Cannabidiol Creams During Pregnancy?

The internet contains several anecdotal reports of mothers who have used cannabidiol cream while pregnant. In those reports, some mothers claim cannabidiol’s safety and efficacy without causing adverse impacts on their children's growth. The health issues mentioned are typically food aversions, sleeplessness, morning sickness, anxiety, and stress. 

Morning sickness is disturbing, particularly when it transforms into HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). The HG disorder is characterized by extreme and chronic morning sickness. It makes a woman sick for about 30 minutes; they lose her appetite and get dehydrated. 

Cannabidiol might be an excellent option for such disorders, considering their potential side effects. Some scientists believe that cannabidiol can counteract anxiety when pregnant because of how it interacts with GABA, cannabinoid, and serotonin receptors, which also regulate nausea sensation. 

Can You Use CBD Cream When Pregnant?

Doctors recommend women shun tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD, and various cannabinoids during pregnancy. According to Thompson et al. (2019), THC crosses the placenta, thus increasing the chances of getting into breast milk. Also, it negatively impacts the infant's brain growth and strongly relates to stillbirth around five months of gestation. Cannabidiol might counter how THC affects the brain of adolescents and adults.

However, researchers have not yet established how it influences fetal growth and the child's later development. The major concern regarding Cannabidiol cream among pregnant women is that CBD affects female hormones, specifically estrogen. This hormone is closely associated with reproductive health. According to Brents (2016), minimal endocannabinoid system modulation supports appropriate reproductive functions and hormonal balance. However, using cannabidiol while pregnant breaches that level and interrupts hormones. On the same note, women are discouraged from using cannabidiol products when consuming estrogen-related contraceptives. Therefore, women should research cannabidiol products before using them, especially in the marketplace. 

Where Can You Buy CBD Creams?

Cannabidiol products are available virtually in various places like large selling shops, cannabis dispensaries, beauty shops, and wellness centers. Yet, no two cannabidiol products are manufactured the same. When buying, you must ensure that your desired product has the appropriate cannabidiol amount, does not exceed the THC threshold, and is not contaminated. To achieve that, choose third-party laboratory reports that link to a particular batch. Independent third-party lab testing is the surest method to confirm the seller'sclaims. So, the manufacturer should provide a report for every product before purchase. 

Conclusion

Cannabidiol creams dispense health and therapeutic benefits with little or no side effects. They revitalize, hydrate, and improve general skin wellness and health. The product ingredients infiltrate into the skin to counter skin pain-relates issues. Various health organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) agree that cannabinoid is well-tolerated and safe for most consumers. Nonetheless, this data does not involve breastfeeding and pregnant women since conducting experiments on such aspects are inappropriate. However, medical experts report that pregnant women should avoid cannabidiol creams. This is because the product can endanger the developing fetus and affect its latter life. 

References

Brents(2016). Focus: sex and gender health: Marijuana, the Endocannabinoid System and the female reproductive system. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 89(2), 175.

Madvin, Khalid, &Anique (2022). The Role of 4-24 Micron Far Infrared Heat & Ultrasound Waves in the Topical Absorption of Cannabinoid-Based Drugs. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 4(4), 1-5.

Marín, Miguélez, Villar, &Lombó (2015). Bioavailability of dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota metabolism: antimicrobial properties. BioMed research international, 2015.

Thompson, DeJong, & Lo, (2019). Marijuana use in pregnancy: a review. Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 74(7), 415.