CBD is one supplement that is breaking its record. With growing application areas and robust marketing strategies, CBD is one of the most flourishing markets. And while celebrities like Olivia Wilde and Jennifer Aniston back CBD products, it has become the latest trend to pop all over the internet and spread across the world.
Touted for its bevy of benefits, CBD is a natural remedy to inflammation, pain, stress that induces physical and mental relaxation in various health issues. Meanwhile, last year when Kim Kardashian celebrated a CBD-baby shower party, the theme made many would-be moms wonder: is CBD also useful in pregnancy? Let’s find out all about CBD and pregnancy in the given article.
CBD- What Is It?
Stands for cannabidiol, CBD is a chemical derivative of cannabis that, unlike its closely related compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), is non-psychoactive. Clinical research has shown this compound has a therapeutic effect on various pathological conditions. You can use it in any form – either oil, lotions, bath bombs, or edibles. CBD can block pain pathways. It alleviates many irresistible problems that arise during pregnancy, including nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, and depression.
How Useful Is CBD In Pregnancy?
Conventional treatments for pregnancy ailments include medications that can have side-effects with prolonged use. CBD, an organic component, is thus rising the chart of herbal remedies to these intolerable prodromes.
But, before delving into CBD’s usefulness in pregnancy, you should make a note that the research in this field is limited. All health practitioners have expressed concerns and prohibited the use of the same. On a positive note, there is a single report that aggregates many anecdotal references on CBD’s effectiveness.
Besides, there are a few social media influencers like Maggie Frank and Jennifer Faris, who strongly support the usage of CBD products. We have collected all these references to indicate what CBD can do to help you with your pregnancy.
1. CBD May Control Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is quite common yet discomforting for several women. Sometimes rare morning sickness problems, like hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to persistent vomiting followed by acute dehydration, as in the case of Maggie Frank. Frank, like all other moms with similar conditions, vomits almost 20-30 times a day.
The condition results in a malnourished mother and baby and restricts movements. Clinical research indicates CBD can help treat vomiting and nausea (1). Although the study was made on patients with chemotherapy and other treatments, one cannot rule out CBD’s potential to cure these problems in pregnancy. As per Frank, low doses of CBD helped her eat and move, without the urge to vomit.
2. CBD May Reduce Pain
Chronic pain, including constant backache, joint pain, cramps, headaches, and sometimes carpal tunnel syndrome, arises due to the physical body changes that pregnant mothers experience.
Various studies show CBD’s analgesic effect on arthritic and neuropathic pain. Also, it can target migraines, backaches, and headaches and save the body from any undesirable reactions to pharmaceutical analgesics. Still, a thorough discussion with a health professional is a must before using CBD oil for pain.
3. CBD May Combat Sleeplessness
The primary reasons behind inadequate sleep in pregnancy can be symptoms like abdominal pain, cramps, headaches, nausea, anxiety, and many more. In a few cases, the feeling of exhaustion all through the day can cause insomnia at night.
CBD can decrease pain, relieve anxieties, and relax the mind. All this can induce a better sleep routine for soon-to-be moms. You can use CBD vape pens to help you sleep quickly and stay asleep for a long duration, although it requires medical advice and consent during pregnancy.
4. CBD May Alleviate Anxiety
The anxiolytic effects of CBD are well-known. Many human studies support this effect on disorders, including obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress. Strong evidence also attests to the benefits of CBD in pregnancy.
For instance, health coach Jennifer Farris asserts that using CBD helped lower her anxiety levels and helped her relax when she was pregnant. Yet expectant-moms should remember that taking CBD under medical supervision is exceptionally important.
5. CBD May Reduce Depression
Antenatal depression affects almost 20 percent of women. This can further lead to postpartum depression if not treated early.
A 2018 study showed that CBD can manage stress, and its antipsychotic properties may attenuate depression without adverse effects. Although the efficacy of CBD is proven, no investigation has ever been conducted with pregnant women. It is thus advisable to get approval from your doctor before using CBD.
6. CBD May Improve The Quality Of Life
Physical symptoms, including lasting pain and nausea during pregnancy, can affect the quality of life. CBD oil may lessen stress and lift the mood. By providing restful sleep at night, it can furnish enough energy in the day time to enhance productivity. It may make pregnant ladies feel better and improve their overall quality of life.
Conclusion
The growing acceptance of CBD in pregnancy solely depends on its intrinsic therapeutic properties. Moms are more inclined to use products that are effective and have zero side effects. Fortunately, social, political, and scientific drives are trying to bring a change in expert’s views on using CBD as alternative medicine. Until the time it comes to the mainstream, all expectant moms should use any drug under medical guidance for a safe pregnancy.
Who is the author?
Sam is a full-time Cannabis content writer. She has been in the field of Cannabis for the last 4 years and writing on Cannabis and its impact on health. She loves to read books and travelling in her free time.