Can I Smoke Weed in Pregnancy? I Find It Medicinal.

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and often, new questions and concerns. As an expectant parent, you may already be grappling with various lifestyle changes, from dietary restrictions to exercise routines. One question that has been raised frequently is whether it is safe to use marijuana, particularly for those who find it medicinal. As the use of cannabis becomes more widely accepted in various parts of the world, understanding its effects during pregnancy is essential for ensuring both maternal and fetal health. This article will dive into the topic of using marijuana during pregnancy, discussing the potential effects on your health, the health of your baby, and how this relates to your antenatal care. If you are wondering whether it’s safe to smoke weed while pregnant, especially if you consider it a medicinal substance, this article will offer the most current information and expert recommendations to guide your decision.

What is Marijuana and How Does It Work?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. The active compounds in marijuana, known as cannabinoids (primarily THC and CBD), interact with receptors in the brain and body, producing a range of effects. These effects can include euphoria, relaxation, and relief from pain or nausea, which is why some people use marijuana for medicinal purposes.

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the main psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. It has been used to manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety, though its effects during pregnancy are not yet fully understood.
• CBD (cannabidiol): CBD is non-psychoactive and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and inflammation. CBD-based products have gained popularity for a variety of health issues, including pain management and stress relief. Though many individuals find relief from symptoms through marijuana, it’s crucial to consider the potential effects it may have during pregnancy.

The Risks of Smoking Weed in Pregnancy

The effects of marijuana on pregnancy are not entirely clear, but there is growing evidence that points to potential risks. Smoking marijuana during pregnancy may have a range of negative effects on both the mother and the baby.

1. Potential Impact on Your Baby

Using marijuana during pregnancy can affect fetal development in several ways, particularly through the passage of THC across the placenta. The placenta is the organ that connects the mother’s circulatory system to the baby’s, providing oxygen and nutrients while also filtering out toxins. However, substances like THC can cross this barrier, potentially causing harm to the baby’s developing brain and body.

• Neurodevelopmental Impact: Studies have shown that babies exposed to marijuana in utero may have an increased risk of developmental delays, including issues with attention, memory, and learning. Prenatal care providers often warn that these cognitive effects could continue as the child grows, with some research suggesting an increased risk for academic and behavioural problems later in life.
• Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Smoking marijuana during pregnancy has been associated with a higher likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight, which can increase the risk of health complications for the baby, including respiratory issues and developmental problems.
• Increased Risk of Stillbirth: Though more research is needed, some studies have raised concerns about the potential link between marijuana use during pregnancy and stillbirth. This is another reason why antenatal care teams take a conservative approach when discussing the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy.

2. Impact on Maternal Health

For the pregnant person, smoking marijuana could have its own set of risks. While some people may use marijuana to alleviate nausea, anxiety, or pain, using it during pregnancy may exacerbate certain conditions.

• Respiratory Issues: Smoking any substance, including marijuana, can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory issues, such as chronic cough or bronchitis. During pregnancy, your body is already undergoing changes, and this can make the lungs more susceptible to infections or damage. This is especially concerning if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma.
• Increased Heart Rate: THC can cause an increased heart rate, which may be uncomfortable or even harmful during pregnancy, especially if you have underlying heart conditions. Your antenatal appointments may involve monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you’re in good health throughout your pregnancy.

Is Marijuana Safe in Pregnancy?

The consensus among healthcare professionals is that marijuana use during pregnancy is not recommended. The potential risks to the baby outweigh the possible benefits, particularly since the long-term effects on children born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy are still not fully understood. Antenatal care providers may recommend that you avoid marijuana, whether it’s for medicinal or recreational purposes. While some people may find it useful for alleviating symptoms like nausea, there are other treatments and strategies that are safer during pregnancy. Your antenatal clinic can help you explore alternatives, including prescribed medications or non-drug therapies that may offer similar relief. If you are using marijuana for medical reasons, it’s important to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider. There may be alternative treatments, such as anti-nausea medications, acupuncture, or even antenatal massage, which could help manage symptoms without posing risks to your pregnancy.

The Role of Prenatal Care and Education

As an expectant parent, one of the most important things you can do is prioritise antenatal care. This includes regular checkups, honest communication with your healthcare providers, and educating yourself on the potential risks and benefits of different treatments and lifestyle choices. If you are using marijuana during pregnancy, your antenatal team will work with you to ensure that you are taking the best steps for both your health and the health of your baby. Some of the key aspects of antenatal care that can support a healthy pregnancy include:

• Prenatal Yoga: Yoga during pregnancy can help alleviate many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy, including nausea, anxiety, and muscle pain. Joining pregnancy yoga classes may also offer support for relaxation and emotional well-being without resorting to substances like marijuana.
• Prenatal Vitamins: Essential for your health and your baby’s development, antenatal vitamins provide vital nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Antenatal Support: A well-rounded antenatal support system, which may include mental health counselling, support groups, and education, can help you navigate pregnancy in a healthy and informed way.
• Antenatal Scans: Regular antenatal scans can monitor your baby’s growth and development, ensuring that there are no signs of complications arising from lifestyle factors, including substance use.

What Should You Do if You’re Using Marijuana During Pregnancy?

If you are currently using marijuana and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Be Honest: Let your doctor know about your marijuana use, including the frequency and the form in which you consume it (e.g., smoking, edibles, or oils). This information is vital for your doctor to make the best decisions for your care.
2. Explore Alternatives: Work with your doctor to explore alternative ways to manage the symptoms for which you were using marijuana, such as nausea, pain, or anxiety.
3. Monitor Your Health: Regular antenatal checkups will be essential to monitor both your health and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy. If you are using marijuana, your healthcare provider may recommend additional screenings or tests to ensure there are no complications.
4. Seek Support: If you find that you are struggling with substance use, consider seeking support through antenatal education classes or a pregnancy support group. Many resources are available to help you navigate this challenging situation in a healthy and safe manner. While it’s understandable that you may find marijuana helpful for managing symptoms, the evidence suggests that smoking or using marijuana during pregnancy may carry significant risks. To ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby, it’s important to approach this issue with caution and seek guidance from your antenatal care provider. By exploring alternative treatments, attending regular antenatal appointments, and prioritising your overall well-being, you can make informed decisions that support a healthy pregnancy. Antenatal support is available to help you through every step of this journey, providing the resources and education you need to navigate the challenges of pregnancy safely.