Before we dive into this topic, please remember that we are not medical professionals, nor are we trying to “push” marijuana use onto anyone. A pregnant woman’s journey is highly personal and subjective. There is no “right way” to go through those nine months of development, and the choice to smoke marijuana during pregnancy is entirely up to you. Let’s see what doctors have to say about the connection between marijuana and pregnancy.
Marijuana and Pregnancy Side Effects
In the early stages of pregnancy, when breastfeeding is not part of the picture yet, some women choose to smoke cannabis to help with certain side effects. We know by now that marijuana can help with…
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Lowered energy levels
…of all of which may come with pregnancy, as well. It’s easy to see why some women turn to marijuana to help with morning sickness and early cramping. According to Medical News Today, a 2017 survey concluded that 7% of California-based women smoke during pregnancy. The stage, however, wasn’t mentioned. Pregnancy can be divided up into trimesters…
- The first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12
- The second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26
- The third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy
If marijuana is something you’d like to try during your pregnancy, it’s generally safer and more common to smoke during the first trimester. But as the baby further develops, you might want to put the grass away.
Marijuana’s Impact on Fetal Development
Since marijuana enters a user’s bloodstream, there’s a chance it can affect the fetus, as well. Frequent marijuana use during the later stages of pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, small head circumference, small length, and stillbirth. A fetus has nothing to gain from marijuana in its mother’s blood… but it may have something to lose.
Marijuana and Breastfeeding
In order to produce breastmilk, the body must tap into a woman’s fat cells. Marijuana, including the THC chemical compound, also attaches to fat cells to make users feel “high.” This binding action suggests that marijuana could enter a woman’s breast milk and thus be consumed by her baby. Marijuana during pregnancy, specifically the breastfeeding stage, is not recommended by doctors.
The Conclusion on Marijuana During Pregnancy
If you absolutely must consume marijuana during pregnancy, medical research suggests the safest time to do it is during the first trimester, when the fetus hasn’t developed past cells. The further along in the pregnancy, the riskier marijuana becomes. Some women turn to marijuana in their first trimester only as a way to make it past the morning sickness phase. Once that’s done and dusted, they put it away for the foreseeable future.
What About CBD?
While THC may lead to unwanted side effects in fetal development, CBD hasn’t been shown to have the same response. In fact, CBD might be a better solution to morning sickness and such. CBD has been shown to help with the same side effects as marijuana flower. You get all the same pain and nausea relief without THC’s psychoactive effects. Pregnant women may turn to CBD-infused gummies, chocolates, and even water! Why not give in to those pregnancy cravings and find some relief at the same time? Two birds, one stone.
As amazing and magical as pregnancy can be, it undoubtedly comes with lifestyle sacrifices. No alcohol, no coffee, no raw fish, and possibly no marijuana. But hey, the miracle of childbirth might be worth it! If you’re thinking about using marijuana during your journey, please get a doctor’s opinion first. They may be able to recommend low-THC, high-CBD products for your symptoms.