Despite its status as an illicit drug, marijuana has become the most frequently used substance by expectant mothers. This trend has shown a marked increase over the past two decades, with use rates doubling since 2002. So, it begs the question, can you smoke marijuana while pregnant?
The prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy has been on an upward trajectory, with a notable escalation in the past two decades.
- Mothers in the younger age bracket, specifically those between 18 and 25, have shown the most significant uptick in consumption.
- Their reported use has risen to approximately 10%.
- This figure is even higher when urine toxicology screens are employed for detection.
- Screening reveals that nearly 19% of this demographic test positive for marijuana usage during pregnancy. Thus emphasizing an urgent need to address this upward trend.
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Safety of Marijuana in Pregnancy
The topic of prenatal marijuana use can be confusing, especially when it comes to its medicinal role.
To clarify, to this day, the FDA has not approved any medical use of marijuana for managing conditions associated with pregnancy. This encompasses even common symptoms such as nausea from morning sickness.
Despite this lack of approval, there is a persistent belief that marijuana can be used for medical purposes during pregnancy.
This misconception may stem from the fact that, while marijuana does have FDA-approved applications for certain medical conditions, such as for individuals with cancer experiencing nausea, these do not extend to pregnant populations.
The pregnancy period is delicate, and every substance a pregnant woman consumes can impact the baby’s health.
Pregnant women report marijuana use predominantly to self-treat:
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- pain
- nausea
- vomiting
It is most commonly used during the first trimester and by women with severe nausea.
Hence, consulting with a healthcare provider before considering marijuana products or any other alternative therapies for pregnancy-related conditions is vital. Their guidance is based on scientific evidence and knowledge of what’s best for the mother and baby.
Moreover, the discussions around medical marijuana often leave out important distinctions about its safety profile. The absence of FDA-approved marijuana treatments for pregnant women should signal caution. It highlights an unmet need for extensive research into its effects on the pregnant woman and the developing fetus.
Higher Risk to Fetal Brain Development and Growth
There are sobering concerns around marijuana use during pregnancy, especially the implications for fetal growth.
The exposure to marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient, THC, doesn’t go unnoticed by the developing fetus.
Various studies have put forth evidence that it can act as a deterrent to fetal development, with increased risks of:
- fetal growth restriction
- preterm birth
- low birth weight
These pregnancy complications can result in the baby needing to be in the neonatal intensive care unit for an extended period.
Prenatal marijuana exposure doesn’t just impact physical outcomes.
There are also troubling associations between prenatal cannabis use and long-term cognitive repercussions. In a contemporary context, marijuana’s potency has significantly escalated compared to past decades, raising the stakes for negative developmental outcomes.
Reports from recent research underline a link between prenatal exposure and:
- Challenges in attention spans
- Social skills
- Behavior control as children grow older
Unfortunately, these aren’t transient issues. They translate into profound challenges during adolescence, a period already fraught with heightened vulnerability to mental health disorders and substance use.
As scientists continue to unravel the role of cannabinoids in the brain, what’s clear is the potential disruption within the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a critical component in neural development that primarily influences neuronal synaptic communication and affects biological functions including:
- eating
- anxiety
- learning and memory
- reproduction
- metabolism
- growth and development
Even more compelling, a large-scale study reinforces the notion that these risks extend to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression, symptoms that can profoundly alter a child’s trajectory.
Consequently, there is a need for pregnant women to be fully aware of these risks and to engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers about the use of marijuana during this sensitive phase of life.
Discrepancies in Research on the Effects of Marijuana Use in Pregnancy
Several obstacles hinder the research into marijuana use during pregnancy.
1 Products today often contain higher THC levels than those found several decades ago, suggesting that findings from older research might not accurately reflect the current risks of today.
Variations in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, complicate comparisons between studies.
2 Confounding factors also present significant hurdles.
For example, many studies do not isolate marijuana’s effects from those of tobacco use, alcohol, or other drug abuse that the subjects might concurrently use.
Such overlap can skew results, leaving us uncertain about the exact impact of marijuana alone.
3 Further complicating matters is the reliance on outdated data.
A portion of the research draws from studies conducted in the 1980s when both the frequency of marijuana use and the compound’s potency were quite different from today. This disparity means we might be underestimating the effects on a developing fetus.
Altogether, researchers must navigate these complexities to provide clear guidelines on marijuana use during pregnancy.
Despite these challenges, the commitment to establish definitive conclusions continues, as it will inform healthcare providers and women to make better, informed decisions regarding health during pregnancy.
The Legalization and Perception Challenge
We live in an era where the legal tapestry around marijuana is being altered, with many states in the United States charting an independent path to legalization. This seismic shift is not without consequences, particularly in public perception.
Marijuana, once tethered closely to its illicit drug status, is now often seen as benign, with an aura of safety that may not align with clinical evidence, especially concerning a pregnant person.
The uptick in legalization carries a double-edged sword; on the one side, an increase in medical use based on researched health benefits, and on the other, a downplaying of risks associated with recreational use.
This duality presents a unique challenge for expectant mothers navigating pregnancy guidance.
With the waves of societal acceptance and marijuana’s shifting legal status, the choices of pregnant patients may tilt toward the dangerous perception of its recreational use or as an innocuous remedy for common pregnancy ailments.
Engagement with health care providers is paramount – and yet, for some pregnant individuals, social acceptability trumps medical counsel.
The echoes of ‘safe to use’ reverberate stronger with each state that normalizes marijuana, drowning out the urgent whispers of caution exhorted by medical professionals.
Resultantly, some women might gravitate towards cannabis use during critical weeks of pregnancy, perceiving it as a natural and harmless option without fully comprehending the potential negative effects on their baby’s brain.
This new societal landscape paints a convoluted picture, where you might find pregnant women entangled in the vines of legalization rhetoric.
Reconstruction of the narrative and re-education about the realities of marijuana’s impact during pregnancy now require fortified efforts in response to legalization’s ripple effects.
After all, the stakes are far higher than mere policy – they concern the health of the unborn baby and the shaping of future generations.
Sources and Misinformation
An unsettling revelation surfaced where dispensaries, focused on the purported benefits of cannabis, advised pregnant people that marijuana is a suitable natural remedy for morning sickness.
This guidance is misleading and contrary to medical experts’ advice and available evidence.
Such scenarios underscore the pressing need for accurate information. A recent study indicates pregnant women may inadvertently receive assurances about the safety of cannabis for nausea.
- Dispensaries often serve as a primary source of information for individuals exploring the use of marijuana.
- Expectant mothers seeking relief from nausea may be particularly susceptible to misinformation in these environments.
While medical marijuana might be sanctioned for issues like chronic pain or the side effects of chemotherapy, the American College of Obstetricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics have made it clear that no cannabis products are approved for use during pregnancy, despite certain forms being legalized for medicinal purposes in the general population.
Compounding the issue, the higher amount of marijuana present in today’s products compared to past decades could pose unintended risks.
Healthcare providers must engage in open conversations about the health risks associated with marijuana use during this vulnerable period.
By directing pregnant women away from dispensaries’ persuasive narratives and toward evidence-based information, providers support their ability to make informed choices for their health and that of their unborn children.
Expectant mothers require resources rooted in science, not sales pitches.
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Safe Alternatives for Managing Pregnancy Symptoms
Expecting mothers seeking relief from nausea may feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice on marijuana use during pregnancy. Medical professionals universally advise against it, recommending several well-established and safe alternatives.
Managing morning sickness can be both daunting and essential, and the guidance of healthcare providers is crucial in navigating this journey.
List of Safe Options
- Medications with a seal of approval: Certain prescription medications have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help identify the most suitable option, ensuring you and your baby’s well-being.
- Ginger supplements and treats: Harnessing the natural soothing properties of ginger, supplements and various ginger-infused products like tea and lollipops can effectively ease nausea. The gentle approach of these remedies matches their efficacy.
- Peppermint: The refreshing essence of peppermint, whether in candies or tea, often helps alleviate discomfort. Peppermint’s subtle calm can often bring much-needed relief.
- Sensible dietary choices: Small, frequent meals high in complex carbohydrates and low in greasy or spicy contents can prevent your stomach from becoming empty, an often overlooked trigger for nausea.
- Hydration hints: Sipping on cold, clear, or lightly carbonated drinks between meals can keep nausea at bay. The simplicity of this approach often surprises mothers with its effectiveness.
- Bedtime snack strategy: Stashing crackers by your bedside to eat before rising can prevent morning discomfort, offering a simple yet effective solution.
- Slow and steady movements: Avoiding abrupt position changes helps ward off dizziness, making a cautious approach to movement helpful.
- Engage your senses: If a particular smell unsettles your stomach, sniffing sliced lemon or peppermint candy might provide a quick sensory distraction.
- Acupressure bands: Wearing acupressure wristbands can tap into your body’s natural pressure points to mitigate nausea without ingesting or inhaling any substance.
These recommendations underscore the importance of consulting your healthcare provider for tailored advice. You should consider their expertise an invaluable resource in ensuring the healthiest possible path through pregnancy for you and your baby.
Guiding Expectant Mothers
Pregnant individuals face many choices for the health and well-being of their babies, none more critical than those relating to substance use and fetal exposure.
You need to engage in open dialogue with your healthcare providers, especially if you’re still asking, “Can you smoke marijuana while pregnant?”
You need to understand its effects and consider the safer therapeutic choices.
Prenatal care professionals are not just sources of medical support but also evidence-based advice tailored to you and your baby’s health.
Confide in your doctor, nurse, or midwife; their expertise and understanding of the latest medical research can guide you through the complexities of pregnancy.
Consulting healthcare professionals can dispel myths and clarify the risks of using marijuana during this vital period. The direct link between provider advice and cessation of drug use in pregnant individuals can’t be overstated.
If you’re grappling with morning sickness or other pregnancy challenges, remember that your provider can recommend a variety of supported and safe treatments.
Obtain Reliable Prenatal Care
Beyond mere appointments, it constitutes ongoing education and partnerships.
By prioritizing consistent check-ups, you stay informed about your developing fetus’s health, including any concerns related to substance exposure. In these sessions, you can explore approved therapeutic practices to manage symptoms without jeopardizing your baby’s development.
Reflect on the guidance health care providers provide with your family and support network, collectively working towards decisions that bolster the prospects for a healthy pregnancy.
In this shared journey, your choices and the care you pursue become fundamental stepping stones toward a future of vitality and joy for your newborn.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Can You Smoke Marijuana While Pregnant
1 Is it okay to use marijuana while breastfeeding?
Marijuana chemicals (from any form of pot use – including edibles, oils, or other concentrates) are transferred to newborns through breast milk. <source>
2. Does cannabis exposure and cigarette smoking during pregnancy increase my baby’s risk of problems?
The use of tobacco and marijuana by pregnant women is associated with lower birth weight, small size for gestational age, small head circumference, and other birth defects in their infants. These conditions can lead to major physical or mental health problems.
3. Is marijuana smoke harmful to a baby or other people?
Studies show that very little THC is released into the air when a person exhales. So, it’s unlikely that secondhand marijuana smoke would give nonsmoking people in a confined space a high from passive exposure.
Studies have shown that people who don’t use marijuana report only mild effects of the drug from a nearby smoker under extreme conditions (breathing in lots of marijuana smoke for hours in an enclosed room).
More research is needed to know if secondhand marijuana smoke has similar health risks as secondhand tobacco smoke. A recent study on rats suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can do as much damage to the heart and blood vessels as secondhand tobacco smoke.
However, researchers haven’t fully explored the effect of secondhand marijuana smoke on humans. What they do know is that the toxins and tar found in marijuana smoke could affect vulnerable people, such as infants, children, or people with asthma.
Resources used:
- Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Marijuana Use in Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding – PMC
- Prenatal cannabis exposure associated with mental disorders in children that persist into early adolescence | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Is Cannabis (Marijuana) Safe to Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Can marijuana use during and after pregnancy harm the baby? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Marijuana Use in Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding – PMC
- Attitudes about marijuana use, potential risks, and legalization: a single-center survey of pregnant women
- Marijuana use in pregnancy and lactation: a review of the evidence – ScienceDirect
- Recreational use of marijuana during pregnancy and negative gestational and fetal outcomes: An experimental study in mice – ScienceDirect
- Birth Outcomes of Neonates Exposed to Marijuana in Utero – PMC
- The association of marijuana use with outcome of pregnancy. | AJPH | Vol. 73 Issue 10
- Reasons for cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation: a qualitative study – PMC
- Cannabis use during pregnancy and postpartum – PMC
- Cannabis use during pregnancy and its relationship with fetal developmental outcomes and psychiatric disorders. A systematic review
- Original article Exposure to marijuana during pregnancy alters neurobehavior in the early neonatal period
- Marijuana Use in Pregnancy: A Review – PMC
- Characteristics of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy — Eight States, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2017 – PMC
- Marijuana Use in Pregnancy—KM Kuczkowski
- The Risks of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy | Substance Use and Addiction Medicine | JAMA
- Does CBD Get You High? – GoodRx
- Ease Nausea with Natural Remedies
- Recreational use of cannabis in 23 states
- Report State Medical Cannabis Laws
- Republicans soften on federal marijuana reform in a shift that could make it a reality
- Images – Marijuana
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