Is Marijuana Use Safe While Pregnant?
As of January 1, 2022, marijuana purchase and use is legal for individuals over 21 in Montana. Though it is legal to use medicinally and recreationally, marijuana use is not without side effects, especially when pregnant.
Risks of Using Marijuana During Pregnancy
As marijuana use began to rise, infants and children became more and more affected. In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics released an official recommendation against marijuana use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or while in the vicinity of children. (1)
The drug contains nearly 500 chemicals including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and these chemicals can pass through a woman’s placenta, directly to the fetus (2) potentially causing:
greater risk of stillbirth
greater risk of pre-term birth
low birth weight
long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior
Infants born exposed to marijuana in-utero, often exhibit withdrawal symptoms after birth, have sleep disruptions, and encounter challenges as they grow. (4)
Some women believe using marijuana is a safe, natural way to treat morning sickness, but research indicates that it is not safe for a woman or her baby. Be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider for safer alternatives for treating morning sickness.
Similarly, marijuana use while breastfeeding also impacts the brain development of an infant. THC is stored in body fat and slowly released into the body over time. (5) Thus, a baby could still be exposed even after a person has stopped using marijuana.
The CDC also cautions against second-hand marijuana smoke due to chemical exposure risks to babies and children. (4)
Risks of Using Marijuana for Women
It is also important to recognize the risks associated with marijuana use for adults. A few risks to consider include permanent lung injury, dizziness and risk of falling, impaired judgement and risk of injury to yourself or others, and lower oxygen levels in the body that may lead to breathing problems. (6) Some studies also indicate that marijuana use can affect fertility in women due to disruption of hormones and effects on a woman’s menstrual cycle. (4)
If you’d like to learn more about the use of marijuana before, during, or after pregnancy or about quitting a marijuana habit, request an appointment today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate providers or visit findtreatment.gov for local addiction treatment options.
Sources:
(1) “Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes.” American Academy of Pediatrics. (September 2018). https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20181889/38625/Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-and-Breastfeeding
(2) “Marijuana and Pregnancy.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022, September 27). https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana/marijuana-pregnancy#:~:text=Marijuana%20use%20during%20pregnancy%20can,and%20growth%20and%20development%20issues.
(3) “Fetal Growth Restriction.” Stanford Medicine. (2023). https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=intrauterine-growth-restriction-iugr-90-P02462
(4) “Marijuana and Pregnancy.” March of Dimes. (2020 September). https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/marijuana-and-pregnancy
(5) “What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020 October 19). https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/pregnancy.html
(6) “Marijuana and Pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023 February). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/marijuana-and-pregnancy