Key takeaways:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant. It’s often sold as an over-the-counter remedy for anxiety, sleep, or aches and pains. But CBD isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your body can pass CBD to your baby during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Even topical CBD creams and bath bombs can enter the bloodstream.
Early research shows that CBD may affect fetal growth and development. There’s also a risk of exposing yourself and your baby to harmful substances, since CBD products aren’t well regulated.
Talk to your healthcare team about safer alternatives to CBD for your needs during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Cannabidiol, often referred to as simply CBD, is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD won’t make you feel high. And it has become a common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) products to help manage anxiety, pain, and sleep problems.
Because of this, it’s easy to assume that CBD is a safe, natural ingredient. But is CBD safe during pregnancy? Let’s take a look at what the research shows, and why it’s best to avoid CBD if you’re pregnant.
Is it safe to take CBD during pregnancy?
Both the CDC and the FDA advise against using CBD (or any cannabis-based products) while pregnant. There are several reasons for this:
There’s a risk of birth defects. There are not any high quality research studies on using CBD during pregnancy. As with most medications, researchers rely on animal studies to understand the possible risks during pregnancy. And those have raised some concerns. In animal studies, high doses of CBD caused problems for the fetus, such as a low birth weight, heart problems, and issues with blood sugar control. Anxiety and brain development issues also occurred.
CBD products aren't well regulated. Tests have found contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or even hidden THC in some CBD products. Even those labeled as “pure CBD” may carry harmful contaminants.
There’s no good evidence that CBD is helpful during pregnancy. It may be tempting to try CBD for nausea or sleep issues during pregnancy based on online stories or hearsay. But there’s no proof it actually works. There are safer, FDA-approved options for these types of symptoms during pregnancy.
Search and compare options
Because of this, most experts warn that using CBD during pregnancy simply isn’t worth the risk for most people.
Good to know: There may be rare medical situations (such as certain seizure disorders) in which your healthcare team may recommend Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved form of CBD, during pregnancy. But in most cases, this is only considered if other treatments haven’t worked and the potential benefits of CBD outweigh the risks.
Is it safe to take CBD if you’re breastfeeding?
Studies show that CBD can pass into breast milk. So it’s best to avoid CBD while breastfeeding.
CBD is a fat-soluble chemical, meaning it dissolves easily in fat. Because breast milk contains fat, CBD can pass into milk and reach your baby during feeding.
One study found that people who consumed CBD oil had higher concentrations in their breast milk compared to those who inhaled CBD by smoking or vaping. But researchers don’t know exactly how much CBD gets transferred into breast milk or how long it remains there after you consume it. It’s also not known exactly how CBD may affect a growing baby.
Because the risks are unknown, groups such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend avoiding CBD while you’re breastfeeding.
Animal research also suggests that CBD could reduce the quality and quantity of your breast milk. For example, it may lower levels of fat and protein which babies need to grow and thrive. This further supports the idea that the risks of consuming CBD while breastfeeding outweigh the possible benefits in most cases.
Cannabis and pregnancy: Here’s what to know about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.
CBD interactions: Learn which medications can interact with over-the-counter (OTC) cannabidiol (CBD) and prescription Epidiolex.
Can CBD get you high? No, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t psychoactive. Here’s how CBD can affect your brain and mood.
Can you ‘pump and dump’ breast milk after consuming CBD?
No, unlike alcohol, CBD can remain in your fat tissue long after you consume it. Your body can then release CBD from your fat tissue over time — even if you aren’t currently consuming it. So the “pump and dump” method isn’t likely to prevent your baby from being exposed to CBD while breastfeeding.
Are topical CBD products or CBD bath bombs safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
CBD creams, lotions, or bath bombs may seem safe, but there’s no research yet showing that they’re safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The body can absorb CBD into the bloodstream through the skin. And experts don’t know how that might affect a growing fetus or breastfeeding infant.
Another issue to consider is the other ingredients that are often included in topical CBD products. Some CBD creams or bath bombs may contain other herbs or essential oils that might not be safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. So it’s best to check with your healthcare team before adding any new topical products to your routine.
What are safe alternatives to CBD while pregnant?
If you’re consuming CBD to help with anxiety, trouble sleeping, or everyday aches and pains, there are safer options you can try during pregnancy. Just be sure to check with your healthcare team before trying anything new — even if it’s considered “natural” or available OTC.
For anxiety or stress, consider:
Prenatal yoga, walking, or gentle stretching
Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises
Sharing your feelings with friends or family
Talking with a therapist or joining a support group
If needed, some prescription medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considered safe for anxiety during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare team about the best option for your needs.
For trouble sleeping, try:
Light exercise early in the day
Avoiding caffeine late in the day
Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
Using extra pillows for support
Aromatherapy
If these methods aren’t effective, talk to your healthcare team about safe medications to try. Keep in mind that melatonin isn’t likely to help with most sleep issues during pregnancy, and isn’t typically recommended.
For aches and pains, options include:
Prenatal massage, warm (not hot) baths, or gentle stretching
Pregnancy back supports or belly bands to reduce strain
Heating pads and/or ice packs for headaches
Staying hydrated
Physical therapy
If needed, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the safest over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever during pregnancy. Just be sure to get your prescriber’s OK before taking it.
The bottom line
Cannabidiol (CBD) might sound like a natural way to feel better during pregnancy, but there’s no research showing that it's safe. In fact, there’s some evidence suggesting it could be harmful.
Your body can pass CBD to your baby during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. And because CBD isn’t well regulated, there’s also the risk of exposing both you and your baby to harmful contaminants. Major health experts agree: it’s best to avoid CBD while pregnant or nursing. Talk to your healthcare team about lifestyle changes or medications that are safer options for your needs.
Why trust our experts?
References
Allen, S., et al. (2024). Cannabidiol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta and reduced fetal growth. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (2019). Many women and health care providers assume CBD safe during pregnancy despite lack of research, surveys show.
Bertrand, K. A., et al. (2018). Marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers and cannabinoid concentrations in breast milk. Pediatrics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). About CBD.
Dosoky, N. S., et al. (2021). Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Drugs and Lactation Database. (2025). Cannabidiol. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Huestis, M. A., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity. Current Neurophamacology.
Iezzi, D., et al. (2024). Sex-specific disruptions in the developmental trajectory of anxiety due to prenatal cannabidiol exposure. bioRxiv.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Epidiolex- cannabidiol solution [package insert].
Johnson, C. T., et al. (2022). Cannabinoids accumulate in mouse breast milk and differentially regulate lipid composition and lipid signaling molecules involved in infant development. BBA Advances.
Lee, K., et al. (2024). Cannabidiol exposure during gestation leads to adverse cardiac outcomes early in postnatal life in male rat offspring. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Martinez Naya, N., et al. (2024). An overview of cannabidiol as a multifunctional drug: Pharmacokinetics and cellular effects. Molecules.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Aches and pains during pregnancy.
Patel, P. M., et al. (2021). Safety and sourcing of topical cannabinoids: Many questions, few answers. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Renard, J., et al. (n.d.). Clearing the smoke on cannabis. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
Ryan, S. A., et al. (2018). Marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Implications for neonatal and childhood outcomes. Pediatrics.
Swenson, K. S., et al. (2023). Fetal cannabidiol (CBD) exposure alters thermal pain sensitivity, problem-solving, and prefrontal cortex excitability. Molecular Psychiatry.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). Anxiety and pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). Marijuana and pregnancy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). What you should know about using cannabis, including CBD, when pregnant or breastfeeding.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Warning letters for cannabis-derived products.
Vanin, S. R., et al. (2023). Gestational exposure to cannabidiol leads to glucose intolerance in 3-month-old male offspring. The Journal of Endocrinology.
Yeung, C. H., et al. (2023). Cannabidiol exposure through maternal marijuana use: Predictions in breastfed infants. Clinical Pharmacokinetics.
