Is Marijuana Really Safe During Pregnancy?

A growing number of pregnant mums in the US are admitting to using marijuana despite the impact it has on their unborn child.

While the use of recreational cannabis is illegal in Australia, the number of mums in the US who admit to using the drug while trying to conceive or in the early stages of pregnancy is on the rise.

A new study has found that 12.5% of women surveyed had used marijuana in the year prior to becoming pregnant, and perhaps more disturbingly, 3.4% continued the habit while pregnant.

Weighing Up The Risks

Lead author of the study and research scientist Kelly Young-Wolff says that many women are unaware of the effect marijuana may have on their unborn child.

“No amount of cannabis use has been shown to be safe during pregnancy,” she said. “We do know that cannabis crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus.

Babies whose mothers used marijuana while pregnant were shown to be at greater risk of health concerns, including low birth weight.

“There is reason to think that the risks vary depending on how women are using, and there has been an increase in alternative forms of cannabis consumption in recent years, like vaping and edibles,” Kelly said.

Changing Priorities

Advice from the Mater Mother’s Hospital in Brisbane reflects the finding of the study, with pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding advised to eliminate the drug completely.

“Babies exposed to regular cannabis use during pregnancy may exhibit withdrawal-like symptoms after birth,” their website reads. “Cannabis enters breast milk to some extent and may also affect breast milk supply.”

A study conducted by The University of Adelaide in 2016 also found that cannabis use could contribute to babies being born pre-term, potentially threatening their survival.

“Based on our findings, we consider marijuana to be a major public health concern for pregnant women and their babies,” the study said.

Are you surprised by the number of women who use marijuana while pregnant? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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14 Comments

- - becstalou said
  - 07 Aug 2019
    1:41 pm
The high percentage definitely surprises me. Definitely not worth risking the health of your child

- - mom93821 said
  - 30 Jul 2019
    9:49 am
It is rather saddening – babies deserve the best possible start in life.

- - rachelvk said
  - 28 Jul 2019
    4:44 pm
Wow, surprised this is a thing. Seems a tad irresponsible.

- - DaffyD said
  - 24 Jul 2019
    9:59 am
I can’t believe they are doing it and think its ok, surely that’s child abuse

- - mom152736 said
  - 23 Jul 2019
    11:31 am
I am surprised actually! Didnt know that!

- - Ellen said
  - 23 Jul 2019
    7:27 am
It doesn’t surprise me.
But to eliminate the drug (and other drugs & alcohol) completely during pregnancy is a good idea.

- - mom265671 said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    10:45 pm
Nothing like this should ever be classified safe

- - mom129591 said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    8:54 pm
It doesn’t surprise me, no. But I think drinking, smoking any substance or taking drugs of any form, unless prescribed, during pregnancy is not on. If we choose to be mothers we must put our babies first. It’s unfair otherwise to the unborn child, whom does not have that choice at the time.

- - BellaB said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    7:12 pm
I think any drug has risks during pregnancy.

- - ashna9 said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    6:12 pm
I can’t see how this is safe at all. I also am surprised at how many mums use it during pregnancy!

- - mom206279 said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    3:16 pm
Is it really worth the risk? You really have to ask yourself, if you can’t go 9 months without getting stoned, should you really be having children?

- - mom90758 said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    1:50 pm
I would never use it, in particular while pregnant. Quite shocking that so many pregnant women use it.
- mom93821 replied
  
  31 Jul 2019 , 6:44 am
  The best gift a mum can give her baby is eating well and avoiding all substances that may cause harm. Babies really do deserve the best start as they grow and develop.
- - Blossom said
  - 22 Jul 2019
    11:10 am
If it passes through the placenta you are putting both yourself and your baby at risk. Most babies whose Mums have used Cannibas or any other illegal drugs suffer withdrawal symptoms. It is bad enough that some prescribed medications can put your baby at risk.

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Article Is Marijuana Really Safe During Pregnancy?