Medical Marijuana and Pregnancy
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the number of pregnant women using marijuana doubled from 2002 to 2017. The survey found that the use of cannabis was most common in the first trimester, and chronic use of cannabis increased compared to previous years. Cannabis is one of the most common drugs in America and can be used as a medicine to treat many problems. Many states have pushed to allow marijuana use recreationally and as a medicine. However, the use of the drug gets a bit more complicated for those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. There are many risks to remember, and many government agencies do not recommend using marijuana during pregnancy for the many potential dangers. Read on to learn more about marijuana and pregnancy and get all the latest information.
Why Do Women Use Marijuana While Pregnant?
Since marijuana does not seem to affect pregnant women positively, it is important to know why they even use it in the first place. This can be due to several reasons, like the availability of marijuana. Still, as cited from a 2021 qualitative study, the three main reasons were enjoyment, chronic and pregnancy-related symptom management, and coping with everyday life. The reason for using marijuana shifted throughout the pregnancy, with many using the drug to manage symptoms of pregnancy like nausea or pain. The study also found that participants' reasons for use were more closely related to those who use marijuana for medical use, like fighting pain, muscle spasms, or sleep. Some even had multiple symptoms. But the study found that the subjects tested might be slightly different than the larger population as many expressed use of recreational use of marijuana more than previously seen.
Morning Sickness
As shown in the previous study, many pregnant women use marijuana to help fight off the symptoms of pregnancy. Some of these pregnancy symptoms include increased urination, fatigue, and morning sickness. Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many women during early pregnancy. Feelings of nausea and vomiting characterize it. The term is a bit of a misnomer since the feelings can surface at any time of the day or night despite being called "morning" sickness. The name comes from the fact that symptoms usually happen during the day.
The reason for morning sickness is still being researched, but a standard theory has stuck around. It is thought to be caused by changes in hormones during pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, rises during the first three months of pregnancy. This is believed to be a cause of morning sickness.
Generally, morning sickness is not harmful to the mother or the developing fetus, while the condition is unpleasant. According to JAMA, women who experience morning sickness have a lower chance of miscarrying or having a baby with a low birth weight. The time a mother might feel morning sickness differs from person to person, but one can expect it to last in the first three months, though some women may experience it for the duration of their pregnancy.
Risks of Using Marijuana While Pregnant
One of the reasons for concern when using marijuana while pregnant is that it can harm the developing fetus. Babies exposed to marijuana while in the womb tend to have more negative outcomes than babies not exposed. These babies are more likely to have developmental delays and behavioral issues. Marijuana use during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Marijuana's effects on pregnancy are still being studied, and much is still not known. However, given the potential risks, pregnant women should generally avoid marijuana altogether. If you're pregnant and struggling with substance abuse, seeking advice and support from your health is critical.
Marijuana And Breastmilk
If you are nursing a baby and feeding it breastmilk, it is suggested that you discontinue it. Breastfeeding is vital for a baby's development and growth. Breastfed babies have a lower chance of asthma, type 1 diabetes, and obesity. But the question comes does marijuana pose the same risk when the baby is already born and breastfeeding? Well, the answer is that it still carries many risks.
Marijuana exposure while breastfeeding can lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems for your baby. Moreover, using marijuana while nursing can also impair your judgment and coordination, impacting your ability to care for your baby properly.
It's essential to understand that using marijuana while breastfeeding may not help with milk production or postpartum depression, as some may suggest. In fact, research indicates that it could decrease milk production and have adverse effects on a mother's mental health.
Is CBD safe during pregnancy?
Since CBD does not have the same psychoactive components as THC, using it might be a possible compromise to using it to stop sickness. The problem with this idea is that there are still some potential risks. The FDA strongly advises against using THC, CBD, or any marijuana-related compounds during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There is no large body of evidence that CBD poses a risk for pregnant women, but some animal tests have been done. They have found that high doses of CBD in pregnant animals can lead to problems with the reproductive system of a male fetus. Also, the potential of low-quality CBD products being improperly labeled can be a risk for mothers. Overall it is better to stay away from these products and be safe.
Alternatives
Given all this information, those who are pregnant should not use marijuana, so they should seek alternatives that can reduce morning sickness and fatigue. Some alternatives include but are not limited to herbal teas, staying hydrated, staying active, eating smaller meals, and avoiding spicy foods. If you are going to look at different teas, be sure to talk to your doctor, as certain teas, like chamomile tea, can harm your baby.
The Bottom Line
The effects of marijuana and its connection to pregnancy are still being studied. Information like the dose and use of animals makes strong conclusions hard to come by. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid using marijuana. This idea is backed up by many organizations like the FDA and the CDC. If you are feeling the symptoms of morning sickness, you should talk to your doctor about exploring natural remedies. If you are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, visit our condition page to learn about the conditions medical marijuana can help fight against.
