Marijuana During Pregnancy - What Are The Risks?

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug anywhere in the globe. The legalization of using this drug is different among the countries. The craze for the drug is due to the high it gives when used and the pleasant euphoric experience. Nonetheless, the negative effects that come from using marijuana are long-lasting and few are permanent. Consumption of Marijuana during pregnancy has many psychological and psychiatric phenomena when used.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana, which is popularly called weed, ganja, or bhang locally is a greenish-gray mixture of dried leaves, seeds, stems, and flowers of a plant called Cannabis sativa. These extracts contain some mind-altering chemicals that can give a pleasant sense of euphoria, or a sense of high when inhaled in any form such as smoke, vapor, etc. The smoke from the lungs reaches the brain through the bloodstream and enters the brain causing euphoric effects. Other effects may include an altered sense of time, experiencing bright colors, laughter, and increased appetite. etc (1)

Is Use Of Marijuana Safe During Pregnancy?

No. Marijuana is not safe during pregnancy and it is harmful to the unborn fetus leading to many serious conditions like stillbirth, preterm birth, growth, and developmental issues that can persist till young adulthood in children(2).

[Read: Alcohol During Pregnancy]

Risks Of Consuming Marijuana During Pregnancy

Marijuana usage during pregnancy is becoming common in certain pregnant women populations. This comes from its effect on relieving symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. But along with these minor benefits, Marijuana causes long-lasting effects both on the mother and the fetus.

Risk To The Mother

The extent of risk to the mother depends on the mode of ingestion and its addictive potential. Below are listed a few clinically evident risks (3). Let’s know about them

Like any other substance, it can lead to addiction, poor socializing, intolerance, and can have withdrawal effects.
There are no effective treatments for addiction, no medicines are effective for the withdrawal symptoms. Using prescribed synthetic cannabinoids in tampering doses can help withdrawal.
Using vaporizers and edibles may decrease carcinogenic effects on the mother but can not reduce risk to the fetus.
Cannabis can also cause a syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome which leads to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is used to alleviate these symptoms but overuse will aggravate them.
The symptoms may last up to one to two days after consumption. You can feel relief by taking hot showers. It’s better to avoid than suffer.

There are always better and alternative treatments for nausea and vomiting. Cannabis is not recommended for treating the same. Pregnant women should refrain from using it. Your healthcare provider can help you out.

Risk to the Fetus

Risk to the fetus is due to the passing of Cannabis from the mother to the baby and through the mother’s milk during postpartum (3a). Listed below are the risks that can happen to a fetus when taking marijuana

Studies have shown babies can be born with low birth weight and impaired neurological development as they grow.
Low birth weight is observed in most of the babies exposed to cannabis during pregnancy. The prolonged the exposure the more the fetal effects are seen in the babies.
Babies having exposure to cannabis during pregnancy can show withdrawal syndrome right after birth and can make them very irritable.
Babies get irritated by exposure to light, look confused, and even may have tremors-like withdrawal symptoms.
The biggest concern is the neurological outcomes due to exposure and most of the studies say the effects are long-term.
Attention deficits and increased aggressive behaviors can be seen as early as 18 months for the baby.
Verbal and visual difficulties, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and attention deficits are observed at preschool age.
By the age of 10 depression and anxiety become obvious, leading to poorer concentrations and achievement in early adulthood

The evidence of risk factors are strong and all the health advisories strongly suggest not to use cannabis-like substances during pregnancy.

Can Marijuana Cause Miscarriage?

There is not enough research now to establish a connection between marijuana use and miscarriage. Rather than miscarriage in pregnant women, there is twice the risk of stillborns for women using marijuana during pregnancy. (1b). The greater impact is on birth weight and neurological problems in newborns that are evident due to exposure to marijuana in the womb during pregnancy.

When Should You Stop Taking Marijuana During Pregnancy?

It’s better to stop using marijuana even before you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics says no amount of marijuana is safe during pregnancy at any stage and breastfeeding (2). Marijuana can cross the placenta even at early stages and the risk to the fetus is clinically evident.

Who Should Not Smoke Marijuana?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should not use any form of Marijuana (4). It is encouraged to discontinue the use even for medicinal purposes alternative treatments or recreational purposes.

[Read: Why Passive Smoking is Dangerous For Your Child]

Side Effects Of Taking Marijuana During Pregnancy

Marijuana can have many negative effects on health even if you are nonpregnant and many clinical pieces of evidence suggest fetal harm during pregnancy

Negative Health effects of Marijuana on the fetus during pregnancy (2),(4)

Fetal growth restriction -Low birth weight
Premature birth
Still Birth
Neuro problems such as Hyperactiveness, poor attention
Poor cognitive function

Negative long-term effects from using Marijuana (2a),(4)

Permanent IQ loss in most of the users
Depression, anxiety, psychotic thoughts
Psychotic episodes
Can affect movement coordination
Effect daily performing activities, relationship problems
Lack of happiness and satisfaction

Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant while using marijuana or if you are addicted. Even though many treatments are available, no treatment is better than quitting.

Marijuana or cannabis during pregnancy has a debilitating effect on the fetus. Many pregnant women are taking it as a choice for nausea and vomiting. However many research studies have proven that the use of marijuana during pregnancy can lead to fetal growth restriction, stillbirth in some cases, and babies born with withdrawal symptoms. The effects are long lasting till early adulthood leading to impaired cognitive behavior, hyperactiveness, and poor concentration levels which can impact their career growth and social life.

Women should abstain from using any of the substantial use throughout the pregnancy and lactation. Take help from the doctors in case you get pregnant while using or using it for nausea and vomiting. The withdrawal effects have no proper drug of choice except giving low doses of synthetic cannabis which can reduce the effect on the mother but not the fetal risk. There are many proven safe alternatives for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that safely help you without causing risk to you and your baby.

Also Read: Drugs And OTC Medicines During Pregnancy

FAQ’s

1. Can You Have A Healthy Baby If You Smoke During Pregnancy?

Smoking can cause abnormal bleeding anytime during pregnancy and delivery putting you and your baby at risk. There are many documented birth defects from smoking during pregnancy both active and passive.

2. How Much Can You Smoke While Pregnant?

There is no safe level for smoking at any stage of pregnancy. Smoking can double the risk of miscarriage and premature labor

3. Which Trimester Is Smoking Most Harmful?

Smoking during the second and third trimester can lead to severe growth restriction in babies. It is better to stop smoking even before you are 6 weeks pregnant. Smoking in the first trimester leads to small babies and lung problems in newborns.

References

NIH, Cannabis – https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis
SAMHSA, Marijuana and Pregnancy – https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana/marijuana-pregnancy
Badowski S, Smith G. Cannabis use during pregnancy and postpartum. Can Fam Physician. 2020 Feb;66(2) – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7021337/
ACOG, Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Lactation – https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/10/marijuana-use-during-pregnancy-and-lactation

Marijuana During Pregnancy – What Are The Risks?