In December 2017, a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted a growing trend of marijuana use among expectant mothers in Northern California. This trend has been on the rise since the 1990s across the nation. Many women report using marijuana to alleviate morning sickness, while others turn to it for relief from stress and anxiety. But what exactly is marijuana?
Marijuana refers to the dried parts of the Cannabis plant, primarily Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. It can be consumed in various forms, including smoking or incorporating it into food. A key component of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that could potentially affect both pregnancy and fetal development.
How Does Marijuana Impact the Baby?
Anything a pregnant individual consumes can influence their developing child. We often choose nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and maintain physical activity to support healthy growth. Unfortunately, marijuana can disrupt these efforts. THC easily crosses the placenta, and both the fetus and the mother take a long time to clear it from their systems.
Research has linked marijuana use to risks such as miscarriage, birth defects, and developmental delays. Notably, smoking marijuana can produce more harmful compounds than even traditional cigarette smoking, as it contains many of the same chemicals. Additionally, marijuana use may reduce the oxygen supply to the baby due to increased carbon monoxide levels in the mother’s blood. Although information about marijuana’s impact on fetal development is limited, it’s clear that pregnancy is a crucial time for growth, and marijuana may introduce risks that could hinder this process.
Current Recommendations
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) advises pregnant women to avoid marijuana. This caution stems from insufficient data regarding its effects during pregnancy, along with its similarities to the risks associated with cigarette smoking. Moreover, purchasing marijuana from unregulated sources means there is no guarantee about its contents.
For those who are breastfeeding, it’s important to note that THC is stored in fat cells, and breast milk is particularly fatty. Thus, marijuana can easily pass into breast milk, but researchers still lack comprehensive data on its effects on lactation. Since breast milk is vital for a baby’s growth, any substance that could potentially compromise it is best avoided.
What About Medical Marijuana?
As the conversation around medical marijuana evolves, ACOG continues to recommend against its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because medical marijuana is not regulated or evaluated by the FDA, there are no established standards for its use. If you believe you need it to manage pregnancy symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to explore safer alternatives, such as those offered by companies like Make A Mom for at-home insemination or Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas.
If you’re considering marijuana for morning sickness relief, it may be worthwhile to discuss other options with your healthcare provider or check out our article on Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness.
To keep your little one safe, it’s best to avoid marijuana entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In summary, while many women may turn to marijuana for relief during pregnancy, the potential risks it poses to both the mother and baby are significant. The best approach is to seek guidance from healthcare professionals and consider safe alternatives for managing symptoms. For further reading, you can also explore our post on 4-Month-Old Sleep Schedules, which provides valuable insights on caring for your growing baby.