Caution: Popular ‘Safe’ Nausea Remedy in Pregnancy May Harm Unborn Baby, Study Finds
A New Study Reveals Potential Risks of Using CBD During Pregnancy
A new study warns that women who take CBD during pregnancy could potentially injure their unborn child.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is often considered the “harmless” part of marijuana, but researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are challenging this view. According to a study published in the academic journal “Molecular Psychiatry,” using CBD during pregnancy could disrupt neurodevelopment in a developing fetus.
The study focused on the effects of fetal CBD exposure on brain development and postnatal behavior. It found that excessive activation of receptors in the fetal brain, which are important for brain development, can disrupt neurodevelopment. The study concluded that fetal CBD exposure disrupts neurodevelopment and postnatal behavior in a sex-specific manner.
Implications for Pregnant Women
Emily Bates, PhD, the lead author of the study, highlighted one specific impact of CBD on the unborn. The study found that oral consumption of a high dose of CBD during pregnancy impaired problem-solving in female mice. This finding suggests that consuming CBD during pregnancy may have some effect on the brain development of offspring.
With the recent federal legalization of CBD and its availability in grocery stores and gas stations, it is crucial for clinicians to start asking about CBD consumption during prenatal visits and educate the public about potential risks during pregnancy.
Additional Research and Findings
This study is not the first to suggest that CBD use during pregnancy could have negative effects on the unborn. A 2021 study from the University of Minnesota found that CBD use in pregnancy could impact mood and cognition in offspring well beyond the period of exposure to CBD.
Christopher Faulk, the study director, emphasized the need for a clearer understanding of CBD’s impact on the brain, especially during development. The study showed that CBD use during pregnancy can permanently impact the resulting offspring in adulthood and potentially for the rest of their lives.
Nicole Wanner, a post-doctoral fellow in the College of Veterinary Medicine, expressed surprise at the extent to which CBD-linked gene pathways were associated with neurological disorders. Further research is needed to understand how fetal exposure to CBD affects long-term brain function and mental health.
It is important for pregnant women to be aware of these potential risks and consult with their healthcare providers before using CBD during pregnancy.
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