Marijuana Use While Pregnant and/or Lactating - Not Worth The Risk March 24, 2025 General 0 NAEBOR MEDICAL GROUP: Marijuana Use While Pregnant and/or Lactating - Not Worth The Risk At NAEBOR Medical Group, they understand that pregnant mothers can often be under a lot of stress, and sometimes it may seem tempting to relieve stress with substance use / abuse, in particular smoking marijuana. The prevalence of self-reported prenatal marijuana use is 2% to 5% in most studies, but is up to 15% to 28% among young, urban, and socio-economically disadvantaged women. Of note, it is reported that 48% to 60% of marijuana users continue their use during pregnancy (according to the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction). Unfortunately, marijuana use during pregnancy is one of the most detrimental things a mother-to-be and/or a new mother can do in terms of her baby’s short term and long term health. Using marijuana, or cannabis, carries risks for both the mother and the baby, potentially leading to fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, preterm birth, and long-term developmental issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends abstaining from cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation due to the potential health risks. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, because of concerns regarding impaired neurodevelopment, as well as maternal and fetal exposure to the adverse effects of smoking, women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to discontinue marijuana use. Obstetrician–gynecologists should be discouraged from prescribing or suggesting the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. Pregnant women or women contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to discontinue use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in favor of an alternative therapy for which there are better pregnancy-specific safety data. Here's a more detailed look at the risks: Fetal Development: Fetal Growth Restriction: THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can affect the fetus's development, potentially leading to a baby that is smaller than expected for gestational age. Low Birth Weight: Studies have shown a correlation between marijuana use during pregnancy and increased rates of low birth weight babies, which can lead to health problems. Preterm Birth: Smoking marijuana during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, which can lead to various complications for the baby Neurodevelopmental Issues: Research suggests that children exposed to marijuana in utero may face difficulties in areas like learning, behavior, memory, and problem-solving. Stillbirth: There is an increased risk of stillbirth in pregnancies where cannabis is used. Maternal Health: Maternal Health Issues: Cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to increased risks of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. Addiction: Some women who use marijuana may struggle with addiction, which can be a challenge during pregnancy. Smoking Risks: Smoking marijuana, regardless of the pregnancy, can be harmful to the lungs and may limit oxygen intake, which can also cause breathing problems. Long-Term Effects: Developmental Problems: Children exposed to marijuana in utero may experience problems with attention, impulse control, and behavior later in life. Mental Health: Children may have issues with depression and attention later in life. As for using cannabis while breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published information indicating that chemicals from cannabis can be passed to a baby through breastmilk. THC is stored in body fat and is slowly released over time, meaning a baby could still be exposed even after a woman has stopped using cannabis. Thus, women who are breastfeeding are encouraged to avoid all cannabis use. It’s important to stop using cannabis before trying to get pregnant, since the effects of marijuana on the fetus may occur even during the first trimester. For birthing individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are using marijuana, it's crucial to talk to the medical team at NAEBOR Medical Group about the potential risks and to explore safer options for managing any discomforts or symptoms of pregnancy. NAEBOR will work with patients as well as with primary care physicians to help soon-to-be or currently pregnant moms consider abstinence, which is recommended by the CDC, and to help explore other ways to reduce stress and anxiety with a focus on positive mental health. The risks of using marijuana during pregnancy are just too great, and we all want new babies to be as healthy as possible throughout their lives. Let’s make sure they start out with that advantage. NAEBOR IS HERE TO HELP. Please contact them at: Redlands Clinic: (909) 421-0493 Rialto Clinic: (909)792-2200 Website: www.naeborclinic.com Comments are closed.
