Marijuana use during pregnancy is a topic of growing concern as its use among pregnant women increases. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the US, and its use is rising among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women not use marijuana, and other medical authorities concur. This article will explore the evidence and expert opinions on the safety of edible marijuana during pregnancy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Safety | Edible marijuana is not safe during pregnancy |
THC | The chemical in marijuana that causes a high, and can be passed to the baby through breast milk |
Effects on baby | May cause fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth, and long-term brain development issues |
Effects on mother | May cause dizziness and falls, impaired judgment, breathing problems, and lung damage |
Medical opinion | The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration all recommend against using marijuana during pregnancy |
What You'll Learn
THC passes through the placenta to the fetus
THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana, has a half-life of eight days in fat and is detectable for up to 30 days in the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, THC can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta due to its lipophilic nature.
In a primate study, THC was detectable in fetal blood just 15 minutes after intravenous infusion in the mother. Three hours after infusion, fetal blood levels of THC were equal to maternal blood levels. A separate study on canines found that THC was deposited in fetal fat at concentrations of about 30% of maternal plasma levels.
Given the pharmacokinetic properties of THC, maternal tissues act as a reservoir for THC and other cannabinoids, resulting in prolonged fetal exposure. When marijuana is used occasionally during pregnancy, for example, once a month, fetal exposure to marijuana persists throughout the fetus's entire development in the womb.
THC and other chemicals in marijuana can be passed to a baby through breast milk, increasing the baby's risk for problems with brain development.
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Marijuana may cause lower birth weight
Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to lower birth weight in offspring. A 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found substantial evidence of a statistical association between maternal cannabis smoking and lower birth weight. The report reviewed more than 10,000 studies published between 1999 and 2016 and concluded that in utero exposure to cannabis is associated with a decrease in birth weight.
Several other studies have also reported lower mean birth weights for infants prenatally exposed to cannabis. Fergusson et al. (2002) found a -84.20-gram difference in birth weight between children of mothers who used cannabis at least once per week before and throughout pregnancy and those who did not. Gray et al. (2010) reported a mean birth weight of 3,161 grams among 41 infants prenatally exposed to cannabis, compared to 3,417 grams among 45 infants who were not exposed.
The link between maternal cannabis use and lower birth weight may be due to the effects of non-cannabinoid substances in smoked cannabis and cigarette smoking. Smoking any substance increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which means less oxygen reaches the baby. Additionally, the THC in cannabis can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, potentially contributing to lower birth weight.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women or those contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to discontinue marijuana use. ACOG also advises healthcare providers against prescribing or suggesting the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation due to concerns about impaired neurodevelopment and exposure to adverse effects of smoking.
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Marijuana may increase the risk of stillbirth
Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of stillbirth. According to research funded by the National Institutes of Health, smoking marijuana during pregnancy is associated with a doubled or tripled risk of stillbirth. The study, which was published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that marijuana use was associated with a 2.3 times greater risk of stillbirth, even after controlling for other factors. This means that pregnant women who use marijuana may be more than twice as likely to experience the devastating loss of their baby before birth.
The mechanism behind this association is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, may play a role. THC can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, exposing them to potential harm. In addition, THC has been found to be secreted in breast milk, which could also increase the risk for the baby.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises doctors to screen for marijuana use in pregnant women and recommend quitting, even if it is being used for medicinal purposes. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also released guidelines advising pregnant and nursing women to avoid marijuana use due to potential risks to the baby's health.
While the research on the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy is still ongoing, the current evidence suggests that it may have serious negative consequences. More studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between marijuana use and stillbirth, but in the meantime, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using marijuana to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for their babies.
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Marijuana may cause preterm birth
Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, with studies suggesting that pregnant women who use marijuana may deliver earlier than those who do not. Preterm birth is defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation, and it is associated with potential health risks and complications for the newborn.
One study, conducted by Mark A. Klebanoff and colleagues, examined the association between marijuana use during pregnancy and preterm birth. The study found that while marijuana use was not associated with an increased risk of total preterm birth, there was an indication that pregnant women who used marijuana may deliver earlier, particularly through spontaneous preterm birth. The study also revealed that 36% of marijuana users in the cohort experienced preterm birth, compared to 34.6% of non-users, suggesting a slightly higher risk among users.
Another study, focusing on young pregnant women, found an increased risk of a composite neonatal outcome but did not find a significant increase in spontaneous preterm birth associated with marijuana use. However, it is important to note that this study relied solely on self-reported data and urine toxicology, which may not accurately reflect actual marijuana use during pregnancy.
The effects of marijuana use during pregnancy on preterm birth are complex and require further research. While some studies suggest a potential link between marijuana use and preterm birth, the impact may be influenced by other factors such as tobacco or cocaine use. Additionally, the increasing potency of marijuana, with higher THC levels, may also contribute to potential risks.
To ensure the safest possible start for their babies, pregnant women are advised to avoid marijuana use and seek safe alternatives to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
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Marijuana may negatively impact brain development
Research has found that cannabis use can alter the development of the cerebral cortex, the brain's centre for reasoning and executive function. Specifically, studies have reported cortical thinning, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and bilateral superior frontal cortices, in adolescent cannabis users compared to non-users. This cortical thinning was associated with attentional impulsivity and poorer performance on cognitive tasks, including attention, memory, and processing speed.
Additionally, cannabis use during pregnancy may negatively affect the baby's brain development. Studies have shown that exposure to marijuana in utero can lead to difficulties in problem-solving skills, memory, visual perception, behaviour, attention, executive function, and impulse control in children as they grow older. There may also be an increased risk of substance use disorder and mental illness among teens and adults exposed to marijuana in the womb.
The effects of cannabis on the brain are not fully understood, and more research is needed to determine the long-term psychological and cognitive consequences. However, the available evidence suggests that marijuana use during adolescence and pregnancy may have negative impacts on brain development.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to consume edible marijuana during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women not use marijuana. Research has shown that chemicals in weed, such as THC, can reach the fetus by crossing the placenta and may be harmful to the baby's health.
The risks associated with consuming edible marijuana during pregnancy include fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth, and long-term brain development issues affecting memory, learning, and behavior.
Alternatives to edible marijuana for treating pregnancy-related nausea include taking a vitamin B supplement, eating frequent smaller portions, avoiding fatty or spicy foods, and prescription medication like an antiemetic pill intended to stop severe nausea and vomiting.