TL;DR
- Cannabis use during pregnancy is widely prevalent among expecting mothers in the USA, but it poses serious risks for both mother and baby.
- In pregnant women, cannabis usage might lead to mental health problems, gastric issues, liver injury, respiratory disorders, and more.
- Cannabis use also increases the risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, impaired fetal brain development, and mental health problems later.
- Consulting the right healthcare provider can give you guidance on cannabis risks, recommended screenings, available treatments, and safer alternatives for managing pregnancy symptoms.
Is Cannabis Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
It’s not that uncommon for expecting women in the USA to use cannabis to manage symptoms like nausea, sleep-related issues, and anxiety. In fact, it’s the most widely abused drug during pregnancy. Moreover, since it’s essentially a plant, many women deem cannabis harmless both for them and their babies.
However, cannabis contains over 80 biologically active chemical compounds, making its use during pregnancy risky, according to the FDA. This is especially concerning because these components can reach your tiny one in the development stage via the placenta or bloodstream.
Hence, besides going through this guide, consult an experienced healthcare provider about the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and safe alternatives.
How Does Cannabis Usage Affect You?
Cannabis products today come in many forms, including tablets, lozenges, tinctures, vapes, bongs and topical creams. Their effects, as well as how quickly they take effect and how long they last, can vary greatly.
Regardless of the form, two key compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are primarily responsible for influencing both mental and physical states in different ways. The following effects of cannabis use during pregnancy have been commonly observed:
Short-Term
- Change in alertness and mood
- Distorted time perception
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty in thinking properly
- Delusion, hallucination, and psychosis
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Impaired memory and movement
Long-Term
- Anxiety, paranoia, and depression
- Respiratory issues
- Liver injury
- Damaging interactions with prescribed medicines
How Does Cannabis Usage Impact Your Baby?
Cannabis use during pregnancy not only poses risks while your baby is developing but may also affect your child’s health later in life. Here are some possible effects to be aware of:
During Fetal Development and at Childbirth
- Impaired development of the brain
- Reproductive toxicity in male fetuses
- Low weight at birth
- Intensive care requirement
- Stillbirth
Later in Life
- Trouble with learning, thinking, remembering, and problem-solving
- Low impulse control
- Impaired verbal development
- Low visual analysis ability
- Hyperactivity and inattention
- Sleep disorders
Reasons to Consult a Healthcare Provider on Cannabis Usage
You might be considering cannabis use during early pregnancy to manage morning sickness because a friend swears it helped her. Or perhaps you rely on it to ease symptoms of a medical condition, such as a rare seizure disorder, and are wondering whether it is safe to continue. In any case, consulting a knowledgeable OB-GYN can help ensure a safer and more comfortable pregnancy journey. They can:
- Explain the Risks in Detail: Doctors will explain exactly how cannabis’s active compounds might harm you or the fetus in the short and long run. They will go through your medical history, assess your current state of health, and communicate the magnitude of such risks as well.
- Conduct Screening: Whether you use cannabis at present or have done so in the past, the healthcare provider might recommend screening tests to check relevant parameters. They can also help you kick the habit if required, by offering advice related to physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep patterns. Doctors might offer motivational and behavioral therapies too.
- Suggest Alternatives: To prevent cannabis use during pregnancy for handling anxiety or nausea, OB-GYNs might prescribe alternative medicines that are safe for both you and the fetus.
Seek Cannabis-Related Advice from the Right Healthcare Provider
Don’t just go by the certificates or degrees of a healthcare provider when looking for cannabis-related guidance. While experience and knowledge are of utmost importance, your healthcare provider should also understand and support you without judgment, especially during this delicate time.
You should be able to ask anything and everything about cannabis use during pregnancy without hesitation, shame, or fear. A bond of trust is especially important if you have a history of using cannabis associated with trauma.
Try to connect with an OB-GYN who can offer comprehensive pregnancy care, from conception to delivery to postnatal guidance. This way, whether you have questions about supplements, intimacy, or genetic disorders, you will find all answers from a single, reliable source.
Choose Almara Clinic for Guidance on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with many questions and worries, and we understand how confusing it can be to know what’s safe for you and your baby. At Almara Women’s Health, we are here to support you with clear guidance and compassionate care.
Our team of board-certified doctors can help you understand the potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy and suggest safe ways to manage common pregnancy symptoms. We understand that every woman’s pregnancy journey is different, and we’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.
With 10 locations throughout the greater Twin Cities, we make it easy for you to get the support you deserve. Contact us to schedule a consultation or email us at hello@almara.com.
FAQs
Is it safe to use cannabis while pregnant?
As per healthcare providers and studies, cannabis usage during pregnancy isn’t safe. It may increase the risk of mental and physical health issues for the mother, interfere with fetal development, and lead to long-term problems in children.
What are the potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy?
In expecting women, it can lead to mental health issues, gastric troubles, impaired movement, liver injury, respiratory disorders, and more. Cannabis use can also lead to stillbirth, stunted fetal brain development, low birth weight, and reduced mental abilities later.
Does cannabis use increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects?
Currently, there are not many conclusive studies that indicate a link between cannabis usage and miscarriage or birth defects. However, it increases the possibility of stillbirth and negatively impacts the fetus’s brain development.
Can cannabis help with morning sickness or pregnancy-related nausea?
While many women believe it can, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider and seek safer alternatives to handle these symptoms.
