The popularity of CBD, derived from cannabis, has been steadily growing for several years. Many consumers use it for its wellness effects or as a natural remedy for certain ailments. However, when pregnancy or breastfeeding comes into play, the question of CBD’s safety takes on a whole new dimension. Many parents wonder about official recommendations, potential risks for both mother and baby, and the current state of scientific knowledge. What do international health authorities say? What conclusions have been drawn from recent scientific studies on the subject? What are the implications of using CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding? The introduction of CBD into lifestyles, particularly among pregnant or breastfeeding women, calls for a thorough examination of the issues related to maternal and infant health. The debates focus on several key areas: thesafety/harmlessness of CBD in relation to health standards, the potential impact on the baby’s development,and the lack of unanimous scientific consensus regarding its effects. Although CBD is known not to produce a psychotropic effect, unlike THC, it remains an active component of cannabis that can cross certain biological barriers in the human body. During pregnancy, the placenta filters various substances before they reach the fetus. It remains to be seen whether CBD can overcome this barrier and influence prenatal development. Once the child is born, the question then arises of the transmission of CBD into breast milk during breastfeeding. Official positions of health authorities on CBD, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
Faced with the proliferation of over-the-counter CBD products, health authorities must provide clear recommendations to professionals and users. The analysis focuses on the
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are two periods when vigilance is at its highest regarding any ingested substance. What do international organizations say? Several major institutions have been asked to take a position on the use ofCBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To date, nointernational public health agency (WHO, FDA, EMA) formally approves or recommends the use of CBD during these sensitive periods. On the contrary, most of theseauthorities urge great caution
or even advise against the use of cannabis in any form when there is a possibility of prenatal or neonatal exposure. To delve deeper into this subject, it is relevant to examine a detailed article on the potential benefits of CBD during pregnancy, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as the relief of nausea and stress experienced by some pregnant or breastfeeding women.What are the official recommendations in France and Europe? In France,
the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM)
and other specialized organizations emphasize thelack of long-term data regarding both the potential risks for pregnant women and for breastfed infants . The precautionary principle prevails, with a clear recommendation tonot consume products containing CBD or derived from cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In the rest of Europe, the advice is similar. Countries like
Germany ,Belgium , and Switzerland take comparable, sometimes even stricter, measures. For them, thelack of longitudinal and controlled scientific studies makes it necessary to prohibit or strongly advise against any use not supervised by a doctor during these crucial stages of mother-child life.
Current knowledge: what scientific studies say The body ofdirect research on CBD, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
Its use remains limited, which largely explains the caution shown by health authorities. Questions concern both the bioavailability of CBD in pregnant women and its potential effects on the baby during gestation and after birth while breastfeeding. Animal studies versus human trials: Numerous preliminary studies have been conducted on animal models. They show that CBD does indeed cross the placenta and could accumulate in certain fetal tissues. However, the extrapolation of these results to humans remains uncertain, as human physiology differs in several key areas. To date, the few studies conducted on humans mainly concern the effects of cannabis as a whole, without clearly isolating the action of CBD. The simultaneous presence of THC, a substance recognized as genotoxic and harmful to the baby’s brain development, complicates the overall interpretation. This lack of specificity represents a significant obstacle to establishing precise recommendations for CBD alone.
Potential risks highlighted Despite the small number of targeted publications, some potential risks are mentioned. Among them:Altered neurological development in the fetus (extrapolated from effects observed with THC-rich cannabis)Disruptions in birth weight and intrauterine growth Possible adverse effects transmitted via breast milk during breastfeeding Unknown risk to the baby’s liver and immune maturationSome isolated studies describe a low but perceptible transmission of cannabinoids into the infant’s blood. However, no formal evidence currently supports direct toxicity from CBD alone.It is this persistent uncertainty that necessitates extreme caution. Comparative table: International positions on CBD and perinatal healthTo clarify the different approaches, here is a summary table outlining the position of several health authorities on the safety of CBD exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Country/OrganizationPregnancy Recommendation Breastfeeding Recommendation France (ANSM) Not recommended/Precautionary principle Not recommended/Avoid all CBD United States (FDA) Not recommended/Insufficient data
Not recommended/Suspected risks
Germany (BfArM) Prohibited except under specialized medical advice Prohibited except for medical necessity Switzerland (FOPH)Not recommended/Medical use only Not recommended/Use under professional supervisionThese opinions all converge on abstinence, except in exceptional circumstances validated by a qualified medical team. In short, no health authority currently encourages the unrestricted consumption of CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Frequently Asked Questions about CBD, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding
Why should CBD be avoided during pregnancy?
CBD, while not producing psychoactive effects like THC, is an active compound in cannabis that can cross the placenta. This passage potentially exposes the fetus to substances whose long-term impact remains unknown. Health authorities therefore prioritize the baby’s safety by recommending avoiding any exposure to CBD during this crucial period. Lack of sufficient scientific data on safety Mechanisms of action of CBD poorly understood in the fetus Prevention of potential risks of obstetric complications Does CBD pass into breast milk during breastfeeding?
Studies suggest that some cannabinoids, including CBD, can be found in trace amounts in breast milk. This raises questions aboutinfant exposure and casts doubt on thesafety of CBD during breastfeeding Faced with this lack of certainty, the Official recommendations generally advise avoiding any product containing CBD during breastfeeding.
Limited human data
Unknown short- and long-term effects on the infant Difficulty in accurately quantifying the dose received by the baby Are there any recommended natural alternatives for anxiety during pregnancy?
- Rather than using CBD or other cannabis extracts, several natural strategies compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding exist. Some practices are validated by scientific studies to reduce stress without risk to the baby. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your habits. Adapted relaxation techniques (sophrology, prenatal yoga, meditation)
- Regular walks and gentle physical activity Emotional support from loved ones or support groups
- What precautions should be taken before using a CBD product during the perinatal period? Any decision to use CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be evaluated with a healthcare professional familiar with your medical history. Carefully reading the ingredients, avoiding self-medication, and choosing proven solutions for safety are essential steps when in a high-risk situation. Personalized medical evaluation
- No substitutions without specialized guidance
Monitoring of product origin and traceability (if authorized for use: exceptional medical cases)
