There are many factors that must be considered before using CBD during pregnancy. It may negatively affect the development and health of your fetus. In addition, pregnancy is an emotional and physical state that can be challenging for the expectant mother. While some symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, will subside after a few months, others may remain long after giving birth. Regardless of your symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare team so they can help you find safe treatments and understand the signs of possibly serious health complications.
Cannabidiol Affects Epigenetic Marks In The Womb
Recent research has found that cannabidiol, a cannabinoid, affects epigenetic marks in the sperm and the womb. It also affects the expression of a gene called the glucocorticoid receptor. This gene is important for the body’s response to stress. Epigenetic modifications in the womb may also affect a child’s traumatic memories. The University of Pennsylvania researchers found that these epigenetic markers can be passed down through two generations of mice. If so, this could mean that a child whose mother has a history of nightmares may also pass those nightmares down to their children.
Cannabidiol is an effective epigenetic modifier. The drug alters DNA methylation patterns in epigenetic cells. This epigenetic modification is reflected in the presence of endocannabinoids. In the yellow box, cannabidiol can cause alterations to genes. It can also affect the level of DNA methylation in ES. This means that cannabidiol may affect the expression of genes related to eating disorders or other pathological conditions involving ES.
The endocannabinoid system is a cell signaling pathway involving biosynthetic machinery, endogenous ligands, and receptors. It is thought that modulation of ES components may represent a promising treatment strategy for some diseases. However, interference with ES signaling may be detrimental to the health of many individuals.
It Binds To Estrogen Receptors
One of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy pregnancy is the presence of estrogen, a female hormone that is essential for fertility. Women have higher levels of estrogen than men and peak a few days before ovulation. The hormone also increases the production of anandamide in the body and strengthens the endocannabinoid system. This makes women more susceptible to the effects of CBD. This hormone also affects how the body absorbs and breaks down cannabinoids.
Studies have shown that cannabinoids cross the placental barrier. This means that they may have a hereditary or direct effect on the developing fetus. In addition, they may influence immune and neuronal function and alter epigenetic mechanisms.
Endogenous cannabinoids have been associated with the regulation of female reproductive events. These endogenous cannabinoids act on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for producing hormones. In particular, they act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which controls the female reproductive process. Research suggests that THC inhibits the secretion of LH and FSH.
In addition to its effect on hormone levels, CBD inhibits the efflux pumps of BCRP, a protein in cancer cells. BCRP also plays a regulatory role in the placenta, protecting the fetus from toxins. In addition, endocannabinoids are located in the placenta and are found there for the first 10 weeks of gestation.
It Reduces Morning Sickness
Using CBD during pregnancy can be safe, but it should be used carefully to ensure a positive pregnancy experience. The lack of research in this area can be a deterrent to women. Most healthcare providers discourage the use of CBD during pregnancy. Morning sickness, which affects about 50% to 80% of all pregnant women, is an unpleasant side effect that can affect their quality of life.
This condition is characterized by frequent vomiting and nausea in the early hours of the morning. Additionally, it is also accompanied by fatigue. The feeling of nausea is caused by the stomach acid rising to the throat, which causes an acidic sensation. Furthermore, vomiting more than three times a day may lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for the mother and her unborn child.
Using CBD during pregnancy may also reduce nausea and other symptoms of pregnancy, such as aches, pain, and mood changes. These discomforts can lead to depression and anxiety. In a 2015 study, one out of every eight pregnant women reported an elevated level of anxiety and depressive symptoms. While this may not be a cause of concern for all women, it is wise to discuss the use of CBD with your care team. This way, they will be able to offer advice on how to minimize your discomfort and identify potential problems.
It Reduces Cortisol, The Stress Hormone
Using CBD while pregnant can help mothers-to-be reduce the levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to chronic stress. The hormone controls the body’s response to stress, and excessive amounts can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and increased anxiety. Several studies have shown that CBD can decrease cortisol levels, and it could help prevent these problems.
To study this effect in rodents, researchers examined DNA methylation, which controls gene activity. They studied the effects of CBD on markers of gene activity in regions associated with mood, cognition, and memory. They found that chronic maternal CBD treatment was linked to increased levels of anxiety in female offspring, whereas the effects of CBD on male offspring were not significant. The effects lasted even when offspring were not exposed to CBD during pregnancy.
Another positive effect of CBD oil is that it can help pregnant women sleep better. It reduces cortisol, a stress hormone, which can interfere with sleep. By decreasing cortisol levels, the hormone can help pregnant women sleep more soundly. Additionally, CBD oil helps regulate serotonin levels, which is a hormone related to mood.
It Doesn’t Cause Preterm Birth
While research hasn’t concluded whether using CBD during pregnancy causes preterm birth, it doesn’t seem to be a risk. While there is no definitive evidence to support it, many women who are considering CBD use during their pregnancy are encouraged to speak to their doctor. For now, however, it’s best to refrain from taking CBD until more definitive studies are conducted.
There are several potential risks associated with using CBD during pregnancy. Not only does it have the potential to harm the developing fetus, but it can also affect the motor development of the baby. While the benefits of CBD are many, the risks are not worth it. Regardless of the potential risks, women shouldn’t take CBD during pregnancy unless their healthcare provider recommends it.
It’s Non-Addictive
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding CBD and pregnancy. The substance can be harmful to a pregnant woman’s body. She is vulnerable to hormonal fluctuations, which can cause ligaments and joints to break down. Using CBD topically helps alleviate these problems and can be safe for the unborn child. Applying it topically also keeps it out of the bloodstream. Furthermore, the topical application should not affect CBD’s distribution through the nervous system.
According to a recent study from the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health in California, infants born to cannabis-using mothers had poorer outcomes than those born to cannabis-non-using mothers. This included low birth weight and preterm birth. These issues can require intensive care and could predispose the baby to health problems in later years.
In addition to alleviating symptoms, CBD can reduce cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol levels are often raised in people who are suffering from insomnia. CBD has long been studied as an alternative to opioids in pain management. In fact, the endocannabinoid system has an important role in inflammation and pain reception.
Consult With Doctor
CBD has been associated with numerous risks, and its use during pregnancy should only be undertaken after consulting with your doctor. For one, it can affect the fetus’ development and health. For another, it can cause discomfort to the mother and her unborn child. Although nausea usually goes away after a few months, other symptoms may last for the rest of the pregnancy. As such, it’s important to share symptoms with your healthcare team, who can prescribe safe treatments and help recognize signs of potentially dangerous conditions.
While many women use CBD to ease pregnancy symptoms, there are risks associated with using it during pregnancy. Some of these risks include miscarriage, adverse effects on future fertility, and the development of the infant’s motor skills. Despite the many benefits, CBD use during pregnancy should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary.
The FDA has warned against the use of CBD while pregnant and recommends that women consult with a physician before using it. There’s not enough research to know how cannabinoids, such as CBD, will affect the developing fetus. Therefore, women considering CBD oil while pregnant should discuss their plans with their healthcare providers.
