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CBD and Pregnancy: Why Doctors Advise Against Its Use

Scientific Study on CBD and Pregnancy

No, it is recommended that you avoid using CBD during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This precaution is based on a lack of robust human data and on warning signs observed in several recent animal studies. If you are currently using CBD, the safest course of action is to stop and speak with your midwife or doctor immediately.

In short:

  • Animal studies suggest a potential risk to fetal brain development, but no robust human studies confirm this concern.
  • Because CBD is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in adipose tissue, which makes it difficult to eliminate quickly and increases the risk of it passing to the fetus or infant.
  • The quality of CBD products sold in France varies considerably, so it is crucial to request a reliable certificate of analysis confirming the absence of THC, especially during pregnancy.
  • There is no clinical evidence regarding the safety or risks of CBD in pregnant women; therefore, authorities recommend avoiding it entirely as a precautionary measure.
  • In the event of accidental ingestion, discontinue use immediately, notify a healthcare professional as soon as possible, and monitor the baby’s health after delivery.
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Table of Contents

What do studies actually say about CBD during pregnancy?

The scientific evidence on CBD and pregnancy remains limited, and it is precisely this gap in knowledge that justifies the precautionary approach taken by health authorities. Contrary to what some marketing claims may suggest, the absence of evidence of harm is never equivalent to proof of safety.

Several studies published between 2023 and 2024 and conducted on rodents show that prenatal exposure to CBD can alter brain development and behavior in offspring after birth. Research conducted primarily at Aix-Marseille University and by American teams in Colorado observed alterations in the insular cortex, a region of the brain involved in emotional regulation and sensory perception. While these findings do not directly apply to humans, they represent the kind of warning sign that, in toxicology, consistently calls for caution before proceeding further.

The problem is that, to date, there have been no robust clinical trials conducted in pregnant women to confirm or refute these animal observations. Observational data from humans remain scarce, scattered, and often limited to small samples or unreliable retrospective reports. Therefore, we can neither assert that CBD is dangerous to the human fetus nor guarantee that it is not.

Here’s a summary of what we know:

  • Animal studies suggest a possible impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
  • No large-scale published clinical trials have evaluated the safety of CBD in pregnant women.
  • The available human data come primarily from case studies or self-reported surveys, not from controlled trials.
  • In 2025, ANSES proposed classifying CBD as a substance presumed to be toxic to reproduction, which further reinforced the cautious approach of the official recommendations.

Statistical note: To date, there are no published clinical trials demonstrating the safety of CBD in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is this lack of evidence—rather than the presence of a proven risk—that leads health agencies to recommend complete avoidance as a precautionary measure.

This situation is by no means unusual in the pharmacology of pregnancy. Many substances considered generally safe for a non-pregnant adult become high-risk unknowns as soon as a fetus or infant is involved—simply because clinical trials on pregnant women are rare for obvious ethical reasons. CBD is no exception to this rule; in fact, it exemplifies it.

How can CBD reach the fetus or a breastfed infant?

CBD belongs to a family of molecules known as lipophilic compounds, meaning they dissolve easily in fats rather than in water. This chemical property largely explains why the issue is of such concern to pregnancy specialists.

A lipophilic molecule tends to accumulate in the adipose tissue of the organism that consumes it. In a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, this means that CBD can be stored in her body fat reserves and then gradually released into the bloodstream over several days or even weeks after the last dose. A pharmacological review of CBD’s lipophilicity confirms this ability to accumulate in tissues, a mechanism that is well documented for other lipophilic substances such as certain cannabinoids and steroid hormones.

What this means in practical terms:

  • The placenta allows many lipophilic molecules to pass through, making it plausible that CBD could be transferred to the fetus.
  • Breast milk itself is rich in fats, which creates an environment conducive to the concentration of lipophilic compounds such as CBD.
  • Stopping use does not guarantee immediate elimination: stored CBD may continue to circulate for some time.
  • A French clinical trial currently underway, conducted by a hospital in Orléans, aims precisely to quantify the transfer of CBD into breast milk and its biological impact on infants.

Statistical note: This trial, registered under number NCT06589258, is currently in the recruitment phase. It is one of the first protocols to directly measure CBD concentrations in human breast milk, but its results are not yet available.

In practice, this lipophilicity significantly complicates clinical advice. A woman who stops taking CBD as soon as she learns she is pregnant cannot be certain that her body will have completely eliminated it before giving birth. This mechanism differs from that of a water-soluble molecule, which is generally eliminated much more quickly through urine.

The fact that a product is legal says nothing about its actual composition. This is one of the most common misconceptions among consumers, and it becomes particularly sensitive when pregnancy is involved.

The CBD market remains inconsistent in terms of quality control. Analyses of flowers, resins, and oils sold in France regularly reveal discrepancies between the advertised THC content and the actual content measured in the laboratory. However, unlike CBD, THC has psychoactive properties and well-documented effects on fetal development when consumed in significant quantities.

Three habits to adopt before making any purchase, whether you're pregnant or not:

  1. Always request a certificate of analysis (COA) issued by an independent laboratory, not just a product sheet from the seller.
  2. Make sure the certificate specifies the THC content—not just the CBD content—since this information is often missing from artisanal products.
  3. Avoid flowers, herbal teas, or oils sold without clear traceability regarding the origin of the hemp and the extraction methods used.

Pro tip: A reliable certificate of analysis always includes the test date, the name of the accredited laboratory, and a breakdown of each individual cannabinoid—not just an overall percentage of “CBD.” If this information is missing, consider the product unverified.

This need to be mindful of the scientific and legal differences between CBD and THC applies to all consumers, but it takes on added significance during pregnancy, when contamination invisible to the naked eye can have consequences that are disproportionate to the perceived risk. A positive THC saliva test following the consumption of a poorly regulated CBD product clearly illustrates how easily this line can be crossed without the consumer even realizing it.

Does CBD interact with medications taken during pregnancy?

CBD is not a pharmacologically inert compound. It interacts with the liver’s enzyme system in a way that can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, including those commonly prescribed during pregnancy.

CBD acts as an inhibitor of several enzymes in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family, a key system responsible for breaking down most medications in the body. A pharmacological review of this mechanism shows that this enzymatic inhibition can slow the elimination of other active substances, increasing their concentration in the blood beyond the dose prescribed by the physician.

Treatments that may be affected include:

  • Certain antiemetics used to treat pregnancy-related nausea, for which hepatic clearance may be reduced.
  • Anxiolytics or antidepressants prescribed for preexisting anxiety disorders.
  • Pain relievers that are metabolized by the same enzymatic pathways as CBD.

Pregnancy further complicates this picture. The expectant mother’s plasma volume gradually increases, liver function changes, and the rate at which medications circulate and are metabolized shifts throughout the trimesters. Adding an enzyme inhibitor like CBD to this already unstable equation is like introducing an additional variable into a system where the usual benchmarks no longer fully apply.

That is why telling your doctor or midwife about any past or current use of CBD is not just a bureaucratic formality. It is clinical information that can affect the dosage, choice, or monitoring of an ongoing treatment.

What do French and international health authorities recommend?

The institutional consensus is clear and points to the same conclusion: avoid CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with no exceptions based on dosage or product form.

In July 2024, MILDECA, via drogues.gouv.fr, published a summary detailing the risks associated with CBD use, explicitly citing animal studies suggesting a potential impact on brain development. For its part, ANSES proposed in 2025 that CBD be classified as a substance presumed to be toxic to reproduction, a regulatory development that now influences all French medical recommendations. Internationally, the World Health Organization notes in its fact sheet on cannabidiol that current data remain insufficient to guarantee the safety of CBD for pregnant or breastfeeding women and recommends caution.

Why is there this convergence among agencies that are so different?

  • All of them are based on the same body of concerning animal evidence, with no human data to contradict it.
  • None of them identified a “safe” threshold dose below which the risk would be eliminated.
  • The precautionary principle is traditionally applied in perinatal medicine whenever there is reasonable doubt, regardless of the final level of scientific certainty.

Statistical note: Major French and international health agencies recommend avoiding CBD during pregnancy, with no exceptions based on dosage or product form.

These positions are not the result of excessive bureaucratic caution. Professional societies in pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology share this view, particularly because the central nervous system continues to develop actively throughout pregnancy and the first months of life—a period that is particularly sensitive to any chemical exposure, the long-term effects of which remain unknown.

What alternatives are there for nausea, anxiety, or pain?

Giving up CBD doesn’t mean you have to endure the discomforts of pregnancy without a solution. There are several medically validated approaches that can relieve the most common symptoms without exposing the fetus to a substance that hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

For morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy:

  1. Adjust your diet to include smaller, lighter meals eaten at regular intervals rather than three large meals.
  2. Try ginger as a tea or supplement—an option often recommended by midwives as a first-line treatment.
  3. Talk to your doctor about an antiemetic treatment suitable for use during pregnancy if dietary measures are not enough.

For anxiety and sleep disorders:

Breathing relaxation techniques, prenatal sophrology, and gentle physical activity such as walking or prenatal swimming have been shown to consistently reduce pregnancy-related anxiety. Some maternity hospitals offer childbirth preparation classes that incorporate these approaches, which are often covered by health insurance. When anxiety becomes debilitating, psychological counseling or, if necessary, medication compatible with pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor—never self-administered.

A pregnant woman taking a leisurely walk

For lower back or pelvic pain:

Osteopathy and perinatal physical therapy, performed by professionals trained in caring for pregnant women, provide targeted mechanical relief without the use of medication. Wearing a properly fitted lumbar support belt often complements this treatment.

Pro tip: Always ask your midwife if your maternity center offers an enhanced monitoring program for pregnancy symptoms. Many patients are unaware that this monitoring already exists and is included in their standard care plan.

On this topic, the article on the possible side effects of CBD also explains why a cautious approach is necessary even outside the context of pregnancy, particularly for people taking regular medication.

I've already used CBD during my pregnancy—what should I do?

Finding out after the fact that you have consumed CBD during pregnancy or while breastfeeding often leads to concern that is disproportionate to the actual documented risk. There is no evidence of consistent harm associated with occasional or past use, but clear guidance is still necessary.

Steps to take right away:

  • Stop using immediately, without feeling guilty about what has already happened.
  • Provide your midwife or doctor with factual information: approximate amount, frequency, duration of use, and type of product used.
  • Ask whether targeted ultrasound monitoring or enhanced neonatal monitoring is appropriate for your specific situation.
  • After birth, watch for signs in your newborn such as feeding difficulties, unusual drowsiness, or tremors, and seek medical attention promptly if you have any concerns.

The healthcare professional who receives this information is not there to judge, but to adjust the treatment plan if necessary. Hiding past drug use out of fear of judgment delays treatment that could prove helpful, whereas an honest disclosure often simply reassures the patient once the information has been verified.

Our Editorial Stance on CBD and Pregnancy

Pure-extract-cbd maintains a clear and unambiguous stance on this issue: the use of CBD is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, regardless of the product or dosage in question. This stance is based on the precautionary principle applied by all the health agencies mentioned above, and it takes precedence over any other commercial considerations.

This editorial rigor is accompanied by a commitment to transparency regarding the quality of the products sold, which are intended for adult use—excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding:

  • Every product sold undergoes testing at independent laboratories, with certificates of analysis available to verify compliance and the absence of excessive THC contamination.
  • The product line includes several types of legal cannabinoids (including CBD, CBG, and CBN), derived from organic hemp, with traceability regarding the origin of the raw materials.
  • General information on CBD dosing published elsewhere is intended exclusively for adults who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding; it does not apply to pregnancy and should not be extrapolated to that situation.

This article provides general information for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for medical advice, and any decision regarding your health or that of your child should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your individual situation.

How to Bring Up the Topic of CBD With Your Midwife or Doctor

Many female patients are reluctant to mention their CBD use for fear of being judged, which is exactly the attitude to avoid. A healthcare professional needs this information to advise you properly, not to lecture you.

Ask the question directly rather than burying it in a vague conversation: “I used CBD during my pregnancy—could that interact with my current treatment?” or “Does my baby need any special follow-up care because of this use?” are specific questions that yield specific answers. Specify the frequency, approximate amount, and timeframe, without downplaying or exaggerating the situation.

If your primary care physician or midwife doesn’t have all the answers, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a pharmacologist or a pediatrician who specializes in teratogenicity. This type of consultation is specifically designed for situations where exposure to a substance during pregnancy requires a more detailed assessment than what a general practitioner can provide. Asking the question costs nothing and can alleviate a concern that would otherwise unnecessarily weigh on your mind for months.

— Steven

Pure Extract CBD, a product designed for responsible adult use

Some sellers offer flowers, oils, resins, and infused products that have been tested by an independent laboratory, with traceability regarding the origin of the organic hemp and the cannabinoid content. This rigorous approach to certificates of analysis addresses a common problem in the market: many products are sold without proper testing, resulting in discrepancies between the advertised THC content and the actual THC content.

Pure CBD Extract

This transparency requirement is intended for adults who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding and who wish to consume CBD in a regulated and verifiable manner. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the recommendation remains the same: avoid all CBD consumption and consult your healthcare provider before considering any course of action. For other readers who want to understand the actual composition of the products they’re buying, the Pure-extract-cbd homepage details the entire lab-tested product line, and the guide on how to use CBD oil outlines common uses outside the context of pregnancy. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD, regardless of your personal situation.

This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation before taking any action based on this content.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD completely banned during pregnancy in France?

CBD remains legal to purchase in France, but its use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not recommended by any health authorities, including the WHO and MILDECA.

Can taking CBD just once harm the baby?

There is no scientific evidence showing that a single dose causes consistent harm, but the lack of human data makes it impossible to rule out any risk, which justifies immediate discontinuation and transparent communication with one’s doctor.

Does CBD really pass into breast milk?

Its lipophilic nature makes this scenario plausible, and a French clinical trial (NCT06589258) is currently underway to measure it precisely, but the final results have not yet been published.

No, legality does not guarantee the absence of THC; only a detailed certificate of analysis issued by an independent laboratory can verify the product's actual composition.

What should I do if I took CBD without knowing I was pregnant?

Stop using the product as soon as possible and inform your midwife or doctor with the facts so that appropriate follow-up can be arranged if necessary.

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