Marijuana and Pregnancy: Just the Facts
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Last updated Dec. 28, 2017.
Marijuana has gone through a lot of ups and downs in public opinion in the past 100-odd years and it’s currently experiencing a serious upswing. Seven states and Washington, D.C. have legalized it for recreational use and 29 more states have legalized it for medical use. Almost half of Americans admit to having tried pot at least once in their lives, and just over 1 in 10 say they’ve smoked within the past year. That makes it the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S.
There’s plenty of debate about the health effects of marijuana in general, but how does it affect mothers-to-be? We know that many things you put into your body while pregnant can affect the baby, so what’s the deal with marijuana and pregnancy?
How Marijuana Affects the Body
To get a sense of the effects of smoking weed during pregnancy, we first need to take a look at how it affects the body in general. The main psychoactive component in pot is delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol, usually abbreviated to “THC.” When you take in THC (usually by smoking, although you can also “vape” or eat it), the chemical binds with certain receptors in the areas of your brain responsible for coordination and memory, among others. Those receptors typically bind with anandamide, a cannabinoid naturally produced by your body that is responsible for a variety of immune and neurological functions.
When THC binds with your cannabinoid receptors, it can cause a loss of coordination and short-term memory problems. This same reaction causes the feelings of euphoria we typically associate with pot use. Smoking weed can also increase your heart rate and cause anxiety and paranoia.
Compared to other drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is not highly addictive. However, it can be psychologically habit-forming and regular users may experience irritability and anxiety if they stop using the drug. While marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals and irritants found in tobacco smoke, the link between weed and an increased risk of lung cancer is unclear. A 2012 study of over 5,000 participants found that occasional pot smoking caused no adverse effects on the lungs, although heavy smokers are prone to inflammation of the airways, leading to coughing and wheezing. Finally, marijuana cannot cause death by overdose.
Is marijuana safe during pregnancy?
What’s the motivation for smoking pot while pregnant? First off, expectant mothers may have already been using marijuana and simply enjoy it. But other mothers struggle with chronic pain or morning sickness and may be considering marijuana as an alternative to other medications. Many painkillers have proven to be unsafe during pregnancy, meaning women have limited options for dealing with pain for those 40 weeks. Severe morning sickness can be debilitating, and marijuana’s anti-nausea and appetite-boosting effects are well-established (hence its popularity among chemo patients).
So, is it safe?
The answer is that we just don’t know. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends against the use of marijuana during pregnancy, but notes that it is “difficult to be certain about the specific effects of marijuana on pregnancy and the developing fetus.” In part, they say, that’s because there are no good studies on the effects of smoking pot while pregnant. There are obvious ethical problems with setting up controlled studies and deliberately exposing fetuses to marijuana. Studies of the children of women who report smoking weed during pregnancy have produced mixed results, since it is difficult to separate the effects of smoking marijuana from socioeconomic factors such as malnutrition, poor prenatal care, smoking tobacco, and the effects of other substance use (lower-income women use marijuana much more frequently than higher-income women and are at higher risks for all of those factors).
That said, some studies have found that children exposed to marijuana in the womb showed signs of delayed neurological development, weaker problem-solving skills, and poorer motor control compared to children that were not exposed. Another study indicated that children exposed prenatally to marijuana were more prone to attention-deficit problems. However, a different study found no link between prenatal marijuana exposure and school performance. Studies have produced conflicting evidence on whether marijuana use contributes to low birth weight or the risk of birth defects, according to ACOG.
Essentially, the waters are murky. We know that endocannabinol receptors (the ones that bind with THC) have proven important for the neurological development of fetuses in animal studies, and exposure to the cannabinoids in THC can affect those receptors negatively. However, animal studies aren’t always a clear match for human studies and there simply isn’t much research on the role of endocannabinol receptors in human development.
That said, the most recent research seems to suggest that marijuana is not, in fact, linked to preterm birth or low birth weight. A study from the Washington School of Medicine, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in September 2016, originally did find a link between marijuana and those problems. However, that increased risk went away when they accounted for whether the mothers smoked tobacco as well as marijuana. People who smoke pot are more likely to also smoke tobacco, which is clearly linked to preterm birth and low birth rate, so the researchers suggest that earlier studies were not taking tobacco use into account.
They also note, however, that this study didn’t examine the long-term effects of marijuana use and does not include any findings on the possibility that marijuana may affect fetal brain development.
See also: Baby Development: Types and Signs of Brain Damage
Marijuana and Pregnancy: The Bottom Line
So, smoking pot while pregnant hasn’t been definitely proven unsafe for you or the baby. However, it also hasn’t been proven safe, and some studies do suggest that there may be risks associated with using marijuana during pregnancy. At the end of the day, you’ll need to be open with your doctor about whether you currently use marijuana or are considering it during your pregnancy. You and your doctor can work together to evaluate the risks and decide whether marijuana and pregnancy fit together for you. The answer may depend in part on the frequency and purpose of use. If you’re looking for treatment for morning sickness or anxiety, for example, there are other FDA-approved treatments that may work for you.
You should note that in some states, smoking pot while pregnant may be considered a criminal offense under certain child abuse laws and may result in the involvement of Child Protective Services. Before considering marijuana use, you should check out the laws in your state to determine whether that’s a risk.
Autism and Marijuana use has risen concurrently.
Pot is not a drug, it is a natural herb.
May daughter in law used to calm her down and to obtain a appetite after having baby which was healthy cyfd became involved and now trying to take my grand baby need help live in New Mexico does anyone have any legal advise
I’m Kay and I’m a 15 year old teen who uses marijuana as an a “escape.” I’ve found the use to help clear my thoughts and escape depression due to being a child whose mother is an active addict. I had found out i was pregnant at 9 weeks and 4 days , on April 28th i do believe. Before I had knew or had any idea I was a soon to be mom , I had used marijuana and I’m still using. When I had went to my first ultrasound , I found out my baby was healthy . I am now 11 weeks and 3 days and I’m going for my 12 week ultrasound may 31. God is good, just remember weed is not a drug, it’s a natural herb like the anonymous has said. In my beliefs I have had no problems so far, but i don’t use the marijuana daily.. Just a natural way to escape my mind. Go by what a doctor says though , everyone is different .
I am currently writing a paper on the effects of marijuana on fetal development, this blog was a good read, but reiterates what I keep reading in multiple articles. There is not a lot of evidence, and I have seen that it has helped a lot of pregnant women with severe morning sickness and chronic pain. I think that if the alternative is your baby will be at danger due to how sick you are, then do what works for you to have the healthiest baby. I don’t know though if this would be my first choice, just because of the very similar chemicals and irritants between marijuana smoking and cigarette smoking. I wish there was more info out there, this topic is super interesting to me. My mother smoked marijuana with all 4 of her pregnancies, so I am not judging anyone, just curious for more info. Great blog!
Thanks for the comment!
I have seizures and have found that only a high CBD strain of marijuana stops them. I’m already a mom of one rambunctious two year old and I take care of my disabled mother. I can’t afford the two to four hours it takes to come back after a seizure. I only use my vape when preventing one from happening I didn’t use anything during my first pregnancy but I was living in Utah then and couldn’t legally buy what I needed. I’m now in Colorado and now finding what works for me, we are trying for a second baby and was wondering about risks but I think that with my limited use any baby I have will probably be fine.
I too, am very interested in the negative side effects. All I can find as far as “reasearch” is the same ( to me- bull shit) saying preterm birth, ADHD….
I smoked about a bowl a day with my first pregnancy. Which was cutting back from my normal. I was a work from home artist, making a living and supporting me and my husbands growing business. I have never smoked cigs in my life, I enjoyed a few sips of beer and a few small glasses of wine during my pregnancy.
Because of where I live I knew a lot of “stoners” who have Children ranging from toddlers- 20 year old young adults. After talking to lots of them to clear my mind about my decision to smoke mj during pregnancy, they all said the same thing:
My child is so easy going, gifted in school/ music/ arts/ sports… among other positives.
I did not have morning sickness it was more of an anxiety reliever, I would get really worked up with having to create and it would settle me down and give me a chance to actually zero in and create/ function and not be stressed about the day to day.
I didn’t smoke mj until I was 22. I do think it is negative for youngsters and I am very supportive of the age laws.
All that being said, my son is 4. Started reading words before he was 3. Super social, very caring, still a young toddler boy who causes trouble and wants to eat all day… but the way he interacts with others, plays, his memory, his ability to read and comprehend so much, he was never a fussy baby, has slept all night since he was 5 months old, tries any food…..the reasearch has me dumb founded. I am also a stay at home mom now, have put the art to the side and have really found a new joy in being around my child, enjoying life with my child. I don’t know if this has anything to do with it either… I am now pregnant with my second, treating my pregnancy similarly, also eating well rounded food, staying active, getting rest, prenatal care….
I would love to share this info with anyone. I am all sorts of supportive on finding some positive information about mj and pregnancy.
Although I don’t share this with my OB because of judgement. 😕
@ Lew I’m a new soon to be mother. I have heard so many different things. But by reading what you wrote it seems to me he’s just a normal kid. Even though you did.
BTW it does help a lot from what I’ve seen so far I’m just afraid of any defects
I started smoking in my second trimester. I have always smoked prior to pregnancy. I was starting to lose my mind, I needed to calm down and stop getting so stressed over small things. It was either being put on some BS meds or do what I’ve always done to just chill out my mind/body. It’s proven that stress is bad for the baby so overall it’s not the worst decision. I don’t drink at all, I’m active and eat well…. all should be good! If drinking was illegal would the doc say a glass here and there is ok…no! I also do not share this with my OB!
There was a study that linked parental marijuana use to infertility in their daughters. My parents use is the single most negative factor in my life. Please do not think that because your kid can read or you have clear ultrasounds that everything is OK.
Thank you for sharing, MT.
This is my 3rd pregnancy, I had an abortion when I was 18, a miscarriage at 19 and now I’m 20 and I’m really hoping for the best with this one. I’m 9weeks and 3 days today and I smoke occasionally, I used to smoke about a Gram (sometimes more) a day everyday but now I really just take one good hit. And it’s not everyday . I’m normally very sick but I think I’ve realized that when I smoke my sickness and tender breast go away. And the next morning when I wake up I have hardly any symptoms. Now, I’m praying it’s from the MJ Bc I read that a miscarriage at 9 weeks include sudden stop of pregnancy symptoms.
Everyone else has had about the same things happen for you right? After smoking your symptoms go away?
I am 27 years old and have smoked every single day since I was 19. I found out I was pregnant and I slowed down, drastically and then stopped completely. But I am now 35 weeks pregnant WITH TWINS, naturally, and I began smoking again at the beginning of my 3rd trimester because I wasn’t eating anything otherwise. I smoke in order to provide nutrients to my babies, otherwise I feel they would be malnourished and underweight. My OB frowned upon it when I first mentioned it just because it’s illegal in my state, but smoking has not hurt my fertility, nor has it caused any complications in my pregnancy. Even with twins, I’ve had absolutely zero problems. My boys are extremely healthy and already weigh more than my high risk doctor thought they would (I only see the high risk doctor because there is multiples which is it’s own risk, not because anything is wrong with me or them). When I mentioned smoking to my OB a second time, stating I did it in order to eat, she pretty much disregarded what I said to begin with and said nothing about me smoking. My boys will be here in 2 weeks or less and are perfectly fine so far!
I used MJ regularly before I got pregnant 3.5 years ago and kept smoking until I was 17 weeks. My little boy is almost 3 now and he’s perfect. I will admit that any delay he had (walking, talking), I blamed myself for those 17 weeks.
Now, he’s so healthy, happy, and totally advanced for his age. I do not attribute my MJ use to his development any longer. I stopped MJ at 17 weeks gestation, but still indulged in a glass of wine or a beer here and there until his birth at 37 weeks.
My advice is that if your MJ use reduces your anxiety like it does mine, I will always recommend it above prescription drugs.
So peyote mushroom or hash or heroin isn’t a drug either because it comes from a plant.
I think that there is a lot of ignorance in the world today, I find it hard to believe. But then again the thought expressed by some people are just that, their own thoughts based on their own definitions of what a drug is.
Like someone said, just because your kids read and are friendly doesn’t mean that there was no effect on them. In fact, there are multiple studies, mainly in Europe, that show evidence that regular pot use during pregnancy absolutely has an effect on your baby’s brain, just like it does on mothers brains otherwise mothers wouldn’t be using it if it didn’t. The difference is that one is barely starting to develop and the latter is mostly developed, except for teenage mothers.
Wait, is cocaine a drug? I mean if you were to chew coca leaves and got a high, are you really using drugs or eating plants?
Some weaker minded people might actually but the nonsense that marijuana is not a drug, so comments as such are not only counter productive but also dangerous. Most people believe things they read on the internet or find on Google.
I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and my hormones have been off the wall BUT only when I’m “sober”. I’ve looked up multiple researches and websites to help me learn more about smoking weed while being pregnant and have yet to come across something that states hard evidence that marijuana affects my baby. Although I know smoking while pregnant isn’t “right”, marijuana has had no affect on my baby so far. My doctor that I’ve been seeing doesn’t know that I smoke but EVERYTIME I go in for a check up I’m told that my baby boy is healthy and growing day by day with no issues. I’ve smoked just about my whole pregnancy, whether its one blunt a day or more, and haven’t had any negative results or feedback from the doctor yet. And I feel fine, my baby wiggles kicks and moves like a normal baby should. Everyone has a different opinion but I believe that weed doesn’t have an affect during pregnancies like folks say..
I’m 25 and just had my first child yesterday and had used marijuana throughout my pregnancy for the extreme sickness that I had went through. I tried everything that the doctor’s suggested and to no avail I was still deathly ill. I couldn’t keep anything down. so when a friend suggested smoking marijuana would help My nausea and vomiting and that I would be able to eat, I jumped on the wagon and figured it wouldn’t hurt to try… Turns out it worked wonders. I had lost 22 pounds during my first trimester before starting smoking marijuana. after I started smoking it, I was able to eat without instantly vomiting and could actually keep food down and provide the nutrition that my son needed. So as ppl say *if u find something that works don’t fix it” I continued to smoke but not on a daily basis just when I was nauseated. I stopped smoking when I was 8 months along because my nausea had subsided. I had gained 74 pounds since starting the marijuana and ended up giving birth to a beautiful healthy ,7pound 14oz & 19 ½ inch long baby boy. … When he was tested for drugs there was nothing in his system and had no withdraw systems…. But I had tested positive for marijuana still from what doctors said was caused by it being stored in my fat cells. In turn where I am from they called in social workers and said I was an unfit mother. So I am not allowed to take my son home unless I have a supervisor. But the thing about that is that this wasn’t my first pregnancy… I had the same issues with a pregnancy in November of 2016 and because of the weight loss and poor nutrition bc of inadequate options at that time… And in turn I watched each ultrasound and at 27 weeks when I should of had an almost grown newborn I had a miscarriage and the fetus fit in the palm of my hand due to under development bc of lack of nutrition. I wasn’t willing to let that happen again. Before my 1st pregnancy in 2016 I had been told at the age of 13 that I would never have children due to having an insufficient cervix… So becoming pregnant in the first place was amazing to me… But after watching my first child dwindle away I wasn’t willing to ever go through that again. My son is my world already at 2 days old, I would die for him, and I think it is crazy that they can sit and say that im an unfit mother. I jut wanted to tell my story and let everyone know that I support marijuana use if necessary during pregnancy, it can be a life saver. My son is living proof of that. Thanks for taking time to read my story.
#LegalizeMarijuana
#ComeOnAll50States
#Stand4SomethingOrFallForAnything…. Ur Choice
My friend recommends me the CBD oil and Hemp oil for me to use because I’m having a hard time to breath everytime i do my household chores. She told me that it may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and pain. And upon researching about it i read this https://www.worldwide-marijuana-seeds.com/blogs/marijuana-news/what-makes-cannabis-so-great that the cannabis can help us in many ways as well as in medical purpose. So is this safe for me to use because im pregnant now for 2 months?
I’m 13 weeks pregnant I’m 21 years old I do smoke weed sometimes not all the time and so I have seizures and anxiety so I smoke to help that. I get paranoid when I smoke because it can cause negative effects on the baby when it’s unborn but I’ve also read and heard good things about smoking . I had s miscarriage a few years ago.