There’s a lot of curiosity (and confusion) around whether magic mushrooms are safe during pregnancy. Some people assume that because psilocybin is “natural,” it must be harmless. But when it comes to pregnancy, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe, especially when the research just isn’t there yet.
So let’s look at what science actually knows, what experts say, and why every major medical source advises against using psilocybin while pregnant.
Why Pregnant People Are Excluded from Studies
Every major clinical trial testing psilocybin, including the one registered as NCT01988311, specifically excludes pregnant or breastfeeding participants. That’s not because researchers think it’s definitely harmful, but because they don’t have enough safety data to take that risk.
The FDA (2023) also notes that reproductive-risk assessments are still needed before psychedelics can ever be considered for use during pregnancy. For now, every medical trial follows the same rule: no psilocybin for people who are pregnant, nursing, or not using contraception.
What Could Go Wrong
Even without hard evidence, there are several reasons experts say to avoid it:
- Stress and heart rate changes – Psilocybin increases heart rate and blood pressure, which could affect blood flow to the placenta.
- Emotional intensity – Trips can bring up strong emotions or anxiety, and high stress can influence fetal development.
- Unknown fetal effects – The way psilocybin interacts with serotonin systems could impact the baby’s developing brain, especially in early stages.
“During pregnancy, the line between your chemistry and your baby’s isn’t as clear as it seems.”
What About “Microdosing”?
Some people wonder if microdosing, taking very small, sub-perceptual doses, is safer. Unfortunately, there’s no research to support that either. Even tiny amounts of psilocybin still interact with serotonin receptors and still cross into the bloodstream.
MotherToBaby warns that because so little is known about dosing or exposure levels, even microdosing should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Postpartum
Psilocybin’s safety during breastfeeding is also unknown. Because psilocin (the active form) circulates in the bloodstream, it could pass into breast milk. Until studies confirm otherwise, experts recommend avoiding any psychedelic use while nursing.
The bigger picture here is mental health. If you’re considering psilocybin for anxiety or depression during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider instead. There are safer, evidence-based options available.
Bottom Line
Right now, science can’t say exactly how psilocybin affects pregnancy, and that’s the problem. Because there’s no proven safe dose, medical experts treat it as off-limits.
If you’re pregnant, planning to be, or breastfeeding, the safest choice is to wait. Once research expands and safety data exist, that answer may change, but for now, protecting both your health and your baby’s development comes first.
“No trip is worth the risk when you’re carrying two minds instead of one.”
The Short Answer – It’s Not Considered Safe
According to MotherToBaby (2025), a trusted resource for medication and substance safety during pregnancy, there’s not enough data to know exactly how psilocybin affects a developing baby. But because of how it interacts with serotonin and the brain, it’s considered potentially risky.
That means doctors and researchers treat it as unsafe until proven otherwise. Psilocybin crosses the blood-brain barrier in adults, and it may also cross the placenta, which could affect fetal brain development or stress regulation.
“We don’t have clear evidence it causes harm, but we also don’t have evidence that it doesn’t.”
Summary
Magic mushrooms are not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Research on psilocybin’s effects on fetal and infant development is lacking, and clinical trials exclude pregnant participants for safety reasons. Experts advise against any psilocybin use, even microdosing, until more is known.
Sources
MotherToBaby – 2025 – Psilocybin Mushrooms (“Magic Mushrooms”) Fact Sheet
FDA – 2023 – Psychedelic Drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations
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