Marijuana and Pregnancy: Is it Actually Safe?

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if you’re thinking of having a child or are already pregnant, you’re playing with your baby’s well-being by smoking marijuana.

I am not alone.

A new review of 57 studies with over 13 million participants found that babies who were exposed to marijuana in the womb were about twice as likely to be underweight and premature than babies who weren’t exposed to marijuana. They also found cannabis-exposed infants to be 2.5 times as likely to end up in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who weren’t exposed.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has long argued that no amount of cannabis is safe during pregnancy. This study further highlights that fact.

While researchers didn’t uncover any increased risk of birth defects or sudden infant death (SIDS) caused by in-utero cannabis exposure, low birth weight can contribute to future health problems. Infants born with a low birth weight can have difficulties eating, gaining weight, and fighting infection. They are also at higher risk for developmental delays, ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional problems.

Pot use during pregnancy on the rise

Despite warnings about the dangers of marijuana during pregnancy, pot use by pregnant women continues to rise. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 32 states and 10 states (and DC) can market legalized marijuana for morning sickness. A 2019 analysis found that cannabis use among pregnant Americans more than doubled between 2002 and 2017.

One possible contributor to increased pot use among expectant mothers is marijuana products for morning sickness. A survey of Colorado dispensaries found that 69% sold products that claimed to treat morning sickness. About 36% of those stores told customers that marijuana products are safe for expectant mothers.

The truth is marijuana is bad for your baby no matter how you use it — this includes smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating, drinking, and applying cream or lotions to the skin.

In a 2020 study, almost 6% of the respondents reported using marijuana during the three months before pregnancy. Roughly 30% stopped using it before pregnancy and 50% stopped at 15 weeks of pregnancy. About 20% were still using pot after 15 weeks.

How marijuana use can affect your pregnancy

While in the womb, your baby is fully dependent on you for its health and nutrition. What you eat, drink, smoke, or otherwise consume passes through your bloodstream to your baby. With marijuana, the harmful chemicals (THC) pass directly into the fetus. Keep in mind that medical marijuana is not safer than recreational pot, and both are illegal under federal law.

Moreover, there is no scientific evidence that any marijuana product helps with morning sickness.

For the mother

According to ACOG, even if you are just thinking about getting pregnant, ingesting marijuana in any fashion can cause:

• Permanent lung injury
• Dizziness
• Impaired judgment
• Lower oxygen levels

For the fetus

The fetus is relying on its carrier to do everything in their power to maintain good health. The following conditions may result from indulging in marijuana:

• Disruption of brain development
• Smaller birth size
• Higher risk of stillbirth
• Higher chance of premature birth
• Harm from second-hand smoke
• Behavioral problems in childhood such as ADHD

Does using marijuana affect breastfeeding?

There’s no doubt that marijuana passes into breast milk. The main pot ingredient, THC, binds with fat so breast milk is a particularly good vehicle.

A study of 50 breastfeeding mothers found that 34 of them had THC in their milk samples. Fecal samples also show concentrations of THC. It should be noted that this study occurred in the 1980s. The marijuana sold these days has dramatically more THC, which can be passed to the baby.

How to get help to quit using marijuana

For patients who want to stop smoking marijuana during pregnancy, there are plenty of resources. One starting place is to contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline. There may also be local support groups where you can talk to other people who successfully got off of weed.

It also helps to educate yourself on the subject. By reading scientific papers it becomes clearer just how harmful weed can be to you and your baby. Make sure your partner also stops smoking weed as even second-hand smoke can negatively impact your baby’s health.

Set up a support system. This can be friends or family members who want you to succeed. If any of these people smoke pot ask them to refrain when around you. Try to avoid people who could hamper your success.

If your friends and family do not know that you smoke, find an online or in-person support group.

Some people have claimed to have excellent results by undergoing hypnotherapy.

Why choose Dr. Thais Aliabadi for a safe, healthy pregnancy?

As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in gynecological and obstetric care. Together with her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women through all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.

Dr. Aliabadi is a recognized leader in endometriosis treatment and has even taught minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to other surgeons across the country.

We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.

The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located to patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.