The Science of Cannabis and Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy

Pregnancy transforms everything—your body, your brain, your hormones, your sense of self. And if you’re someone who has used cannabis before pregnancy (whether for anxiety, pain, sleep, appetite, or grounding), you may be wondering how it interacts with all these new internal shifts.

Let’s get into the science of what we do know—honestly, clearly, and without judgment.

Hormones in Pregnancy: A Quick Overview

Pregnancy brings a massive rise in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, prolactin, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These regulate everything from uterine growth to mood to milk production—and they don’t just change physically. They impact brain chemistry, emotions, and even how we perceive stress.

So, what happens when cannabis enters this hormonal dance?

Cannabis + The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Your body has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which helps maintain balance (aka homeostasis). It plays a key role in:

• Mood regulation

• Appetite

• Pain response

• Sleep

• Immune function

• Reproductive health

Cannabis works by interacting with the ECS—specifically with CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the brain, body, and reproductive organs.

This means cannabis doesn’t just float around doing its own thing—it communicates with your internal systems, including those shifting during pregnancy.

How Cannabis May Interact with Pregnancy Hormones

Here’s what emerging research and anecdotal reports suggest:

🌊 Estrogen + THC Sensitivity

Estrogen appears to increase sensitivity to THC. That means someone who’s pregnant may feel stronger effects from smaller doses. This heightened sensitivity can make microdosing feel more intense than it would outside of pregnancy.

😴 Progesterone + Relaxation

Progesterone has a naturally sedative effect. Pairing this with cannabis (especially strains high in THC) could intensify feelings of drowsiness, calm, or—on the flip side—grogginess and fogginess.

⚖️ Cortisol + Stress Response

Pregnancy already alters how your body handles stress. Some folks use cannabis to manage anxiety or panic, but the added hormonal fluctuations may change how effective it feels—or what kinds of strains and doses feel supportive vs. overwhelming.

But Is It Safe?

That’s the question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

There’s still limited research on cannabis use during pregnancy, especially at low doses or with specific cannabinoids like CBD or CBG. Most of the existing studies focus on heavy use and are often tied up with other risk factors (like tobacco use, poverty, or limited prenatal care), which makes the data muddy.

Some things to keep in mind:

• THC crosses the placenta. That means it reaches the baby, although we don’t fully understand the long-term effects at small doses.

• There’s more research needed—especially from a reproductive justice lens that respects autonomy and context.

• Self-regulation, support, and informed care matter. What feels right to one person might not feel right to another.

Where I Land as a Cannabis-Informed Doula

I’m not here to shame or tell you what to do—I’m here to hold space for informed choice.

Whether you’ve stopped using cannabis during pregnancy, are considering using it occasionally, or want to talk through how microdosing might affect your mood and hormones, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space for those conversations.

Your body is doing something incredible. You deserve support that respects both the science and your lived experience.

Let’s navigate this together—with curiosity, honesty, and care.