Cannabis use during pregnancy is a significant health concern for both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. This article provides an overview of the impacts of cannabis exposure during pregnancy and medical recommendations.
Immediate Cessation
Medical guidelines recommend stopping cannabis use immediately upon discovering pregnancy or when actively planning to conceive. There is no established safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy, and this applies to all forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and topical applications. This advice stems from the precautionary principle, suggesting avoidance when safety during pregnancy is unproven. Even occasional use is not recommended due to the potential for harm.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can readily cross the placenta. This means that when a pregnant individual uses cannabis, THC can reach the developing fetus. The fetal brain begins developing very early in pregnancy, and its endocannabinoid system, crucial for brain development, can be affected by THC exposure. Stopping cannabis use even before conception is ideal to reduce potential risks.
Fetal and Child Development Impacts
Cannabis constituents, primarily THC, can cross the placenta, entering the fetal circulation and brain. This exposure can disrupt the developing fetal brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for neural development. Research indicates that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with several adverse outcomes for the baby.
Potential impacts include lower birth weight and preterm birth. Studies show cannabis-exposed infants may weigh less at birth, with reports indicating a 75% higher risk of low birth weight and a 52% higher risk of preterm birth. Research also suggests an increased risk of smaller head circumference. These effects are attributed to decreased placental blood flow and oxygen availability.
Beyond physical development, prenatal cannabis exposure has been linked to neurodevelopmental effects observed in children as they grow. These can include difficulties with attention, impulse control, and memory. Children exposed prenatally may also exhibit problems with problem-solving skills and behavioral regulation, such as increased hyperactivity or aggression. Evidence suggests a potential for lasting cognitive and behavioral challenges.
Maternal Health Considerations
Cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the pregnant individual’s health. Studies suggest links between prenatal cannabis use and complications like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. The risk for these conditions may increase with more frequent cannabis use.
Cannabis use can also impact the pregnant individual’s mental health. While some individuals may use cannabis to manage symptoms like anxiety or morning sickness, this can complicate the management of these conditions. Quitting cannabis can trigger “rebound symptoms” that mimic common pregnancy discomforts, such as nausea, insomnia, and anxiety, potentially making cessation more challenging. THC passes into breast milk and can accumulate in the baby’s fat cells and brain. Breastfeeding while using cannabis is not recommended due to potential effects on infant development and behavior, including drowsiness and impaired motor development.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consulting a healthcare provider, such as an OB/GYN, midwife, or family doctor, is an important step if you have used or are currently using cannabis during pregnancy. Open and honest communication with healthcare professionals is important to receive appropriate support and monitoring tailored to your specific situation. Healthcare providers are there to offer help and guidance, not to judge.
They can discuss safer ways to manage pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, anxiety, or sleep difficulties, if those were reasons for cannabis use. If stopping cannabis use is challenging, various resources are available to provide support. These may include counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational counseling, and support groups. In some cases, addiction treatment programs designed for pregnant individuals may be recommended, offering a safe and private environment for cessation.