CBD Gummies in Pregnancy: Safety Concerns and Recommendations
CBD gummies should not be used during pregnancy due to potential negative effects on fetal brain development and increased risk for premature birth. 1
Safety Concerns of CBD During Pregnancy
The evidence strongly advises against using CBD products during pregnancy for several important reasons:
- The U.S. Surgeon General and FDA specifically advise pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to avoid using cannabis in any form, including CBD products 1
- Cannabis may have negative effects on fetal brain development 1
- Cannabis use during pregnancy increases risk for premature birth 1
- Despite CBD's growing popularity and marketing as a "natural" supplement, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its safety during pregnancy 2
Prevalence of CBD Use in Pregnancy
Despite safety concerns, CBD use during pregnancy is surprisingly common:
- One in five pregnant women report using CBD-only products according to the International Cannabis Policy Study 3
- Common reasons pregnant women report using CBD include:
- Anxiety (58.4%)
- Pain (52.3%)
- Depression (40.3%)
- Headaches (35.6%)
- Nausea/vomiting (31.9%) 3
Scientific Evidence on CBD and Pregnancy
The research on CBD use during pregnancy is limited but concerning:
- Animal studies show that CBD transfers rapidly from maternal blood to the fetus and accumulates in the fetal brain, liver, and gastrointestinal tract 4
- Preclinical work has linked CBD exposure to embryotoxicity and potential neuroendocrine, reproductive, and behavioral effects in offspring 5
- Many pregnant women lack informed guidance about cannabinoid use, with over 60% reporting they did not receive counseling regarding cannabinoid use during pregnancy 6
Regulatory Status and Medical Use
It's important to understand CBD's regulatory status:
- As of January 2024, Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved medication containing CBD, and it's specifically approved for certain rare forms of epilepsy 1
- CBD products marketed as supplements or wellness products are not FDA-approved for any medical condition during pregnancy
- The FDA has abandoned pregnancy letter categories in favor of more detailed risk assessments 1
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
When counseling patients about CBD use during pregnancy:
- Clearly communicate that CBD products should be avoided during pregnancy
- Recognize that pregnant women often seek information about CBD from the internet (73-80%) rather than healthcare providers 6
- For pregnant women with conditions like anxiety, depression, pain, or nausea, discuss evidence-based alternatives that have established safety profiles during pregnancy
- Screen for CBD and cannabis use as part of routine prenatal care, as many patients may not volunteer this information
Key Takeaway
While CBD is often marketed as natural and safe, the current medical evidence and guidelines clearly recommend against its use during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Healthcare providers should proactively discuss this topic with pregnant patients and offer safer alternatives for managing pregnancy-related symptoms.