Cannabis to help during labor: Experts and real moms weigh in

By now, you’ve heard us share how cannabis has been used by women for centuries in a multitude of ways, particularly for pregnancy, labor and postpartum care. According to Didier Lambert’s Cannabinoids In Nature And Medicine, ancient Egyptians used it as an aid for childbirth by grinding it into honey and inserting it into the vagina. It was also used for a variety of medicinal uses. But, is using cannabis during labor safe? With cannabis becoming legal in more states, the medical industry will inevitably need to reconsider investigating it as medication and aid for labor pain. And during our CBD + pregnancy Office Hours with Medical Advisor Dr. Chin, the question of cannabis to ease or assist labor came up a few times. We wanted to dive into this a bit deeper.

All mothers deserve to explore healthier, safer options for delivery, and that may include the aid of CBD and THC. Yet, due to the lack of information and the flat-out stigma this plant endures, women are right to be concerned about the safety of cannabis on themselves and their newborn. According to a survey of women who had recently given birth at a university hospital in Canada, more than half of the women were highly or extremely worried about the effects of cannabis use during labor on the baby. The vast majority had used an epidural or intravenous pain killer instead. 60% of women had no information about the potential side effects of cannabis during labor, but said they’d feel comfortable talking about it with their obstetrician.

Doctors are reluctant to endorse or use it in birthing, and those who know that their patients use it suggest they not tell anyone to prevent a visit from Child Protective Services (CPS). As you’ll read from some of the experiences of real moms below, CPS visits are happening, especially in states where cannabis is not fully legal.

The bottom line is this the answer to the question of whether using cannabis during labor is safe requires much research and substantiated evidence for or against it. In the meantime, we want to equip you with factual information on both sides of this discussion so you can make the best decision for yourself. In addition to sharing the tidbits from our conversation with Medical Advisor Dr. Chin and holistic doula Olivyah Bowens, we surveyed our community of moms to share real experiences of women who have been there.

Let’s start with a word of caution

Dr. Chin states there is a chance that cannabis consumption during active labor can slow down contractions. A past study discussed cannabinoids playing a role in relaxing myometrial contraction. If the force of the contractions are not strong enough and/or contractions are irregular, the process of labor can slow and down and result in the need for a c-section. “Some patients report that it DID slow down contractions and their ability to focus and “push,” says Dr. Chin. “Some patients said they would not have been able to get through labor without it and it helped them have a ‘natural’ childbirth. We need to understand that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is regulated differently.”

Some patients report that it DID slow down contractions and their ability to focus and “push,” says Dr. Chin. “Some patients said they would not have been able to get through labor without it and it helped them have a ‘natural’ childbirth. We need to understand that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is regulated differently.”

Interest around cannabis use to help ease labor pain is increasing

According to the Canadian study referenced earlier, one-third of pregnant women said they would consider using marijuana to reduce pain during labor and delivery.

Common medicines like Pitocin, fentanyl, and morphine are common birth aids but can have a wide range of side effects, ranging from fevers and headaches to stomach ulcers or nerve damage. Therefore, holistic doulas, like Olivyah Bowens, inform her clients of all the options available, not just allopathic medicine, so the mother can make the best decision for herself. Her clients have used CBD and THC during the labor instead of narcotics and epidurals. “It seems that it helped get them through that process,” says Bowens. She does preface that cannabis can cause different reactions, from stronger contractions to slower contractions, so open and candid conversations are a must.

Read on for what moms in our community have to say about it

“I used cannabis my whole pregnancy and as soon as I started contracting o took a few 1:1 CBD:THC gummies to help with pain, anxiety, and everything else that comes with labor. I continued to consume until I was no longer allowed to eat.  However, I did live in NY at the time and didn’t hold a medical card, so as soon as I came home with my perfect boy, CPS was at my door.  All in all, regardless of the after effects I don’t think I would have been able to have a completely natural birth (no epidural) without cannabis… and being a mom would be close to impossible for me.”

“I had an all-natural birth. I was a first-time mom with no idea what to expect. I labored at home for about 8-9 hours until I was dilated to a 7 and went in to see my midwife. I thank cannabis for keeping me calm, cool, and collected throughout my home labor. My mind needed to relax and focus on my body and being in its most natural state. It was a beautiful, healthy, and uncomplicated birth. Happy momma, happy baby.”

“My midwife recommended it for sleep on day 2 of labor so I had enough energy to push later.”

“I had preeclampsia and I got an emergency c-section. I was so nervous and I took a bong hit before.”

“In my third pregnancy, I took a bong hit of high CBD, low THC flower and it definitely helped. I think it sped my labor up a lot and made the contractions not quite as intense.”

“I had one 10mg THC candy before being induced to calm the anxiety I had.”

“It helped ease contractions and anxiety. I was hoping they didn’t test the cord and involve CPS.”

“I vaped in bed while having contractions in the early hours before I went to the hospital.”

“I smoked before I left for the hospital and packed homemade THC oil to use there.”

“It helped to relax and set my mind right during early labor for a natural home birth.”

“Yes, I was very anxious prior to my c-section due to a failed VBAC and very much in pain.”

Positive experiences like these may leave expectant mothers wanting to know more, especially when, according to the CDC, about 33% of mothers have to undergo unexpected emergency c-sections due to complications. It’s important to do the research, communicate with your doctor, and listen to your body during this time.

Don’t dismiss cannabis topicals.

Cannabis doesn’t only have to be smoked or consumed. It can be used topically for pain relief and to reduce tearing. There are balms, salves, patches and suppositories for targeted and localized pain relief. With topicals, THC or CBD is diffused transdermally, or through the skin and local membranes. It doesn’t provide full-body relief, but can relieve the localized inflammation in the muscles and joints.

If you do decide to consume. Quality should be your utmost priority. Products should be made from natural and organic flower, free of solvents, pesticides, and harmful metals and chemicals, and must follow strict compliance guidelines, especially when ingesting or inhaling cannabis. Please consult your doctor before integrating cannabis into your labor plans.

For more information about our perspective and research, please read our article on cannabis and breastfeeding and pregnancy.

 

Please note quotes have been edited for clarity and length.

HiVi is intended as an educational resource and makes no medical claims. The information provided is NOT intended to assist anyone violate federal law and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis consumption have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.