A growing number of people use CBD products to relax, ease discomfort or support better sleep. But when it comes to CBD during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, caution is essential.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural, non-psychoactive compound from the hemp plant. Although CBD is already well studied in other contexts, research specifically on its safety during pregnancy and while breastfeeding remains very limited.
This article summarises what is currently known in scientific research, explains potential risks and offers guidance on what pregnant and breastfeeding women should keep in mind.
Why do some people consider using CBD during pregnancy?
Some expectant mothers look into CBD oil during pregnancy because the compound may potentially help ease symptoms such as nausea, sleep difficulties or muscle tension.
CBD interacts with what is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system in the body involved in mood, sleep, pain perception and immune responses. You can think of the ECS as your body’s internal “messaging service”, sending signals that help regulate key functions throughout the body.
This interaction suggests that CBD could, in theory, help with certain pregnancy-related complaints. However, this has not been scientifically proven.
Professional organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and many gynaecologists strongly advise against using CBD during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without medical guidance (1).
What does research say about CBD during pregnancy?
Most of the research so far has focused on cannabis use in general, meaning products that also contain THC. Studies show that THC, the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, may increase the risk of lower birth weight and developmental problems during pregnancy (2).
Because many of these studies do not clearly distinguish between THC and CBD, it remains unclear whether pure CBD has similar effects. Some animal studies suggest that CBD could influence the development of the foetal nervous system, but these findings cannot be directly applied to humans.
This is why there are currently no sufficient long-term studies showing that CBD is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The ECS and pregnancy – why caution matters
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role during pregnancy, especially in the development of the foetus, including the formation of nerve cells and the connection between mother and baby. Adding external cannabinoids such as CBD could, in theory, influence these processes.
Experts point out that “overstimulation” of the ECS may disturb the natural balance in the mother’s body, a potential risk that has not yet been sufficiently researched (3).
Anecdotal experiences – why they cannot replace evidence
Online, you can find many personal stories from women who used CBD oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and reported no negative effects. However, anecdotal experiences are not scientifically reliable.
Every body responds differently, and the impact on the foetus cannot be assessed without controlled studies.
This is why expectant mothers should not rely on personal anecdotes but instead follow medical advice and scientific evidence.
Risks and precautions
Even though CBD products are generally considered well tolerated, pregnancy and breastfeeding require special caution.
Possible risks include:
- unclear effects on the foetal nervous system
- interactions with medications such as blood pressure or sedative medicines
- contamination from low-quality CBD products (for example pesticides, heavy metals or THC) (4)
- lack of long-term safety studies
If you’re thinking about using CBD, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife first and choose only lab-tested, THC-free products.
CBD while breastfeeding
CBD is also not recommended while breastfeeding. Like other fat-soluble substances, it can pass into the breast milk. Since there’s no clear evidence on how this might affect the baby, most health experts advise being cautious (5).
Even small amounts could influence the development of the baby’s nervous system, which is why avoiding CBD during breastfeeding is considered the safest option.
Alternative ways to relax during pregnancy
Instead of using CBD during pregnancy or CBD oil while breastfeeding, gentle and medically recommended methods can help ease discomfort. These include:
- regular movement such as prenatal yoga or simple walks
- relaxation exercises and breathing techniques
- getting enough sleep and staying well hydrated
- talking things through with a midwife or gynaecologist
- herbal teas or home remedies (after checking with a doctor)
No CBD during pregnancy without medical guidance
Even though CBD products are generally considered well tolerated, the safety of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been scientifically confirmed.
Because the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the development of the unborn child, caution is the safest approach (6).
If CBD oil is something you’re considering during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor first and stick to high-quality, THC-free products.
When in doubt, it’s better to avoid it, for the health of both mother and baby.
Frequently asked questions
Why shouldn’t you use CBD during pregnancy?
There are currently no sufficient studies proving that CBD is safe to use during pregnancy. Because CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it could theoretically influence the development of the foetus. For this reason, professional health organisations recommend avoiding CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Is CBD safe when you’re trying to conceive?
Caution is also advised when you’re trying to get pregnant. It’s not yet clear whether CBD has any effect on fertility or early embryonic development. Anyone who is hoping to conceive should discuss the use of CBD products with a doctor and consider stopping them if advised.
When should you stop using CBD before pregnancy?
Because CBD is stored in body fat and can remain in the system for some time, experts recommend stopping CBD several weeks before trying to conceive. This helps reduce the risk of any possible interactions during the early stages of embryonic development.
References
- World Health Organization. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) pre-review report. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/cannabidiol-pre-review.pdf
- Ritchie, T., et al. (2020). Prenatal cannabinoid exposure impairs early development in mice. eBioMedicine, 62, 103114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103114
- Harkany, T., et al. (2007). Endocannabinoids and the developing brain: An ongoing story. Birth Defects Research Part C, 81(2), 101–116. https://doi.org/10.1002/bdrc.20184
- Testing THC Levels in Hemp-Derived CBD Products: A Review of Compliance and Risk. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2021.06.007
- Lynch, M.E., et al. (2018). Cannabinoids in the management of symptoms during breastfeeding: A review. Pharmacotherapy, 38(7), 725–735. https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.2136
- Deutscher Ärzteblatt. (2023). CBD in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit: Medizinische Fachgesellschaften warnen. Deutsches Ärzteblatt. https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/doi/10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0192
