November 11, 2020
Whether you expected it or not, finding out you’re pregnant has likely brought on a laundry list of questions…
“Can I really not eat sushi for 10 months?!”
“What kind of exercise can I do?”
“Is a glass of wine here and there okay for the baby?”
The reality is, your body is going through some major changes to be able to grow your pregnancy, and you may need to alter your lifestyle to meet its new needs.
Some women ask the question, “Can I use marijuana when pregnant?
While marijuana is legal in many states and sometimes even used by women to combat pregnancy nausea and pain, there are six risks to consider before continuing the use of medicinal or recreational marijuana while pregnant.
Studies show that babies born to women who have used marijuana during their pregnancies are more likely to have neurological development problems. Some babies born after prenatal use of marijuana show symptoms like slow responses to visual stimuli exaggerated trembling, or an unusually high-pitched cry.
Another harmful effect of the use of marijuana during pregnancy includes physical developmental issues which can result in low birth weight and other neonatal complications.
In addition to having negative side effects on the health of the baby, using marijuana can also impact the health of the woman carrying the pregnancy. Studies show that marijuana can increase heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and cause dizziness, anemia, or confusion during pregnancy.
The use of marijuana can impact babies long after birth. Studies have linked the use of marijuana during pregnancy to long-lasting inabilities to focus, problem-solve, and behave normally in social settings later on in the child’s life.
While marijuana is a plant, there are more than 400 active chemicals in some strands. When used by a pregnant woman, these chemicals can reach pregnancy through the placenta, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful chemical exposure in utero.
Women who use marijuana before or during their pregnancy may develop a dependency on the drug. Recent studies revealed that 30% of individuals who use marijuana may develop a marijuana use disorder — meaning they may experience a dependency on the substance and go through withdrawals without use. Babies could then be exposed to THC through breastfeeding, which could have long-lasting negative impacts on their young, developing brains.
Pregnant and not sure what to do? We can help!
Finding out you’re pregnant can bring about feelings of worry and anxiety. From wondering if you’re ready to parent to knowing how to keep you and your baby healthy, there’s a lot to navigate. Thankfully, you’re not alone.
Here at the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we provide women with free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasound, options counseling, and pregnancy classes so that you can move forward with confidence.
Photo by Ömürden Cengiz on Unsplash
The Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic is a non-profit Community Health Clinic specializing in pregnancy confirmation and helping those facing unintended pregnancy explore their options. We do not provide extended OB/GYN or prenatal care or STD/STI testing or treatment, nor do we perform or refer for abortion services, the abortion pill, emergency contraception, or birth control. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.