Cannabis for Pregnancy-Related Nausea: A Natural Alternative for Relief

Understanding Pregnancy-Related Nausea

Pregnancy-related nausea, commonly referred to as "morning sickness," is one of the most challenging symptoms for expectant mothers. This condition can occur at any time of day and may persist throughout pregnancy for some women. While many experience mild discomfort, others suffer from severe nausea that leads to appetite loss, dehydration, and other complications (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2018).

In medical terms, severe pregnancy-related nausea is classified as Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Conventional treatment often includes antiemetic medications, but these drugs do not work for everyone. Pregnant women unable to eat due to extreme nausea face risks such as low birth weight, dehydration, miscarriage, encephalopathy, and depression (Koren et al., 2018). Recent research suggests that cannabis may provide an alternative remedy for managing nausea, with many women reporting relief where traditional treatments fail.

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?

HG is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that extends beyond typical morning sickness. This condition can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration, posing serious risks to both the mother and baby (Fejzo et al., 2019).

Traditional treatment methods include antiemetic drugs such as ondansetron and metoclopramide, but studies indicate these medications are often ineffective for many women (Parker et al., 2020). As a result, some expectant mothers turn to cannabis as an alternative therapy.

Cannabis: A Promising Treatment for HG

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Oregon’s Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation surveyed 550 participants who had experienced pregnancy-related nausea (Fejzo et al., 2020). The study revealed compelling insights:

Key Findings:

• 96% of participants had tried conventional antiemetic medications.
• 14% reported using cannabis to manage HG symptoms.
• Among cannabis users, 82% reported significant relief, including reduced nausea and improved appetite.
• Many participants noted weight gain and recovery from the adverse effects of HG when other treatments failed.

The study concluded:

“Cannabis products may be perceived as a more effective alternative, but more research is required to understand their mechanism and safety… In the meantime, providers must weigh the unknown risks of recommending cannabis against the well-established risks of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes for refractory HG” (Fejzo et al., 2020).

Supporting Research on Cannabis for HG

2021 Study from Israel

Researchers at Shamir Hospital and Ariel University examined the effects of inhaled cannabis on four women with severe HG (Schlag et al., 2021). The study found:

• Significant reductions in nausea and vomiting.
• Notable improvements in weight gain and quality of life.
• No observed adverse prenatal or postnatal effects on babies.

Researchers emphasized the need for controlled trials to assess cannabis' full efficacy and safety.

University of New Mexico (2021) Study

A study involving 2,200 participants found that 96% experienced nausea relief within an hour of cannabis use (Stith et al., 2021).

According to Sarah Stith, PhD, assistant professor and study co-author:

“The mechanisms behind cannabis’ ability to rapidly reduce feelings of nausea are not fully clear but likely involve its activation of CB1 receptor responses in the central nervous system” (Stith et al., 2021).

How Cannabis Works for Nausea Relief

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological functions. The key mechanisms include:

• CB1 Receptors in the Brain: Cannabinoids activate CB1 receptors in the dorsal vagal complex, a region that regulates nausea (Parker et al., 2011).
• Serotonin Modulation: Cannabinoids help regulate serotonin levels, reducing nausea and vomiting (Sharkey et al., 2014).
• Gastrointestinal Benefits: Cannabis supports gut motility and digestion, alleviating nausea-related symptoms (Izzo & Sharkey, 2010).

This dual action on the nervous and gastrointestinal system makes cannabis a potentially powerful antiemetic option.

Trends in Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women

Cannabis use among pregnant women is on the rise. A 2018 study in California analyzing 220,000 pregnancies from 2009 to 2016 found that:

• 5.3% of pregnant women used cannabis.
• Usage increased to 11.3% among women experiencing severe nausea during the first trimester (Young-Wolff et al., 2018).

“Some pregnant women may use marijuana to self-medicate morning sickness” (Young-Wolff et al., 2018).

Considerations for Using Cannabis During Pregnancy

While emerging research highlights the potential benefits of cannabis for pregnancy-related nausea, healthcare professionals caution against unregulated use. If you are considering cannabis or CBD for nausea relief, consult with a healthcare provider to assess potential risks and benefits.

Conclusion

For expectant mothers struggling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, cannabis and cannabis-derived products may provide a promising alternative when conventional treatments fail. Emerging research and anecdotal reports support its antiemetic properties, suggesting cannabis may become a mainstream option for treating this debilitating condition.

If you’re considering cannabis or CBD for pregnancy-related nausea, consult a medical professional to explore safe and effective options.

Don't let severe nausea dictate your pregnancy experience, there are alternatives available to help you regain control and enjoy this special time.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131(1), e15-e30.

Fejzo, M. S., MacGibbon, K., & Poursharif, B. (2019). Extreme weight loss and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in Hyperemesis Gravidarum. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 220(5), 486.e1-486.e7.

Izzo, A. A., & Sharkey, K. A. (2010). Cannabinoids and the gut: New developments and emerging concepts. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 126(1), 21-38.

Koren, G., Madjunkova, S., & Maltepe, C. (2018). The protective effects of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy against adverse fetal outcome—A systematic review. Reproductive Toxicology, 79, 84-88.

Parker, L. A., Rock, E. M., & Limebeer, C. L. (2011). Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1411-1422.

Schlag, A. K., O’Sullivan, S. E., & Slaven, M. (2021). The role of cannabis in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-10.

Sharkey, K. A., Darmani, N. A., & Parker, L. A. (2014). Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. European Journal of Pharmacology, 722, 134-146.

Stith, S. S., Vigil, J. M., Brockelman, F., Keeling, K., & Hall, B. (2021). The effectiveness of cannabis flower for immediate relief from symptoms of nausea. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 55(9), 828-834.

Young-Wolff, K. C., Sarovar, V., Tucker, L., & Conway, A. (2018). Trends in cannabis use among pregnant women in California, 2009–2016. JAMA, 318(24), 2490-2491.