Can I Smoke Weed While Pregnant?

Marijuana is the most used drug worldwide. Unfortunately, it is also the drug used most during pregnancy. As marijuana use continues to rise, it's super important we educate about safe use and offer help to those who need it.

It is not OK.

So, is smoking weed while pregnant OK? 3.9% of pregnant women in the US thought so in 2014.

Pot has for a long time been seen as a natural and safe drug. It has been known to cure nausea. This could be super handy for someone looking for a cure to treat morning sickness.

Marijuana use during pregnancy is not OK. It is not safe. Potentially life-threatening. Non-pregnant human beings also suffer risks when smoking weed.

Smoking is never a good option if you care about your health.

Avoid smoking weed or ingesting edibles during pregnancy to give your baby a healthier start in life.

What do studies say about marijuana use while pregnant

Studies show us that no amount of weed has been proven safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. We know that weed has both THC and CBD, the stuff that gets us high.

Cannabis also contains more than 500 other chemicals. These chemicals, including THC and CBD, can pass through a woman's placenta to her unborn baby.

Cannabis research suggests use during pregnancy cause a heap of negative health effects. Among these, we find

• Fetal growth restriction

• A greater risk of stillbirth

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior

Risks of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is when your baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. for reference, a pregnancy should last for 40 weeks.

The last weeks of pregnancy are important for the final development of your baby. For example, the lungs, liver, and brain need the final weeks to fully develop.

It is not uncommon for a baby to survive preterm birth, but the risks for breathing problems, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, development delay, vision problems, and hearing problems increase significantly

Long-Term Brain Development Issues

The full extent of the long-term brain development issues is beyond a few short sentences. I would seriously recommend reading THIS article.

A few of the points to consider is that all through your child's adolescence they could likely experience troubles with attention, problem-solving, impulse control, analytic skills, and visual integration. A good memory is compromised as well.

What about when breastfeeding?

THC and other chemicals can still be passed to your newborn, increasing the risk for brain development.

Transfer of Substances to Breast Milk

When you smoke, substances, including THC, can be transferred to breast milk. THC can be detected in breast milk for several days after marijuana use. This means that if you smoke marijuana while breastfeeding, your baby will be exposed to these substances, potentially affecting their health and development.

Effects on the Baby's Health

An infant's developing brain is highly sensitive to the effects of substances. Exposure to THC through breast milk may interfere with their normal brain development and cognition. It can also affect their sleep patterns, feeding behaviors, and overall growth.

Decreased Milk Production

Some studies suggest that marijuana use may decrease milk production. This can potentially impact the baby's nutrition and growth. Ensuring an adequate milk supply for your baby's optimal health and development is crucial.

Potential Health Risks

Limited research exists on the specific effects of marijuana exposure through breast milk. However, some studies have associated marijuana use during breastfeeding with increased risks of cognitive and motor development delays in infants and potential long-term behavioral issues.

Legal and Social Considerations

Depending on your location, smoking marijuana may be illegal, and it can also have social implications. In some cases, if marijuana use is discovered through drug testing, it may lead to legal consequences or involvement with child protective services.

How many pregnant women use marijuana?

As stated, marijuana use is on the rise. That includes pregnant women. Research is limited, but a study from 2014 shows us that use during pregnancy went from 2.4% in 2002 to 3.9% in 2014, a 60% increase.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that self-reported marijuana use is about 2-5% (with pregnant women).

Is Medical Marijuana safer?

No. Medical marijuana is better than recreational because you know exactly what you get. So in that way, you could say it's safer. You know it's not mixed with other substances.

It still contains the 500-something amount of chemicals you don't want while pregnant. Medical experts at ACOG support this.

Are Marijuana Edibles OK?

No. Many chemicals still find their way to your breast milk or your unborn child.

How to Alternatively Treat Nausea or Morning Sickness

If nausea or morning sickness gets to a point, you feel it's a problem.

Contact your doctor for suggestions. There are many natural remedies safer than marijuana and medications that the FDA has approved.

Lifestyle changes and small habits have been shown to help with morning sickness. Eating smaller, more often. More meals, less food per meal.

Stay away from strong smells and don't eat foods that usually make you feel a certain kind of way.

Substance or Drug Abuse or Medicinal Use

If recreational or medical marijuana use has been a way to deal with mental health issues, you need to find safe alternatives to treat this. Consult your medical practitioner about other options.

If you are suffering from addiction, I highly recommend you treat this before attempting to get pregnant. If you are already pregnant, I have to advise you to visit a rehabilitation center for substance abuse.

A 2020 study of almost 12000 children shows that prenatal cannabis exposure can increase the risk for psychopathology during middle childhood.

Psychopathology is the study of mental health disorders. Do not increase the chance of mental health disorders; stay sober while pregnant.

Bottom Line - Smoking weed while pregnant is not OK.

Suppose you care about your baby or your future baby's health. You want minimal pregnancy complications. Don't smoke marijuana during pregnancy.

Again, this leads to an increased risk for preterm birth; it can mess with the baby's brain development. There is a higher risk of breathing problems, and there is a greater risk of not giving someone the best life.

If you smoked pot before you got pregnant, no worries. Although, if you are in the trying to get pregnant phase, you should stop smoking both weed and tobacco use.

We definitely need more research on this and other marijuana-related issues. Up-to-date scientific evidence for ganja.

If you smoked marijuana while pregnant, just stop right now. Tell your doctor. But all hope is not gone. Just talk to your doctor, and things will probably work out.

I'm glad you read this article. You are one of the pregnant women that truly care about how to do things right.

If you skipped to the end: A pregnant woman should not smoke or ingest marijuana during pregnancy. Marijuana use during pregnancy has a ton of risks, and not a lot of benefits.

Good luck! - Freddie