When it comes to pregnancy, many questions come up about what is and isn’t safe. One common question is whether using cannabis during pregnancy is safe. It’s often assumed that because cannabis is legal and more socially accepted, it means it’s safe to use while pregnant. But that’s not necessarily true. With so much conflicting information out there and a lot still unknown, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about whether or not it’s okay to use. In this blog, we’ll unpack the latest information on cannabis use and pregnancy so that you can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby.
What We Know
Smoking and vaping anything can be harmful. Whether it’s tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance, smoking and vaping during pregnancy can be harmful to both you and your baby. Smoking or vaping reduces oxygen flow, which can lead to things like preterm birth, low birth weight, and other health issues.
Cannabis in any form can reach your baby. Whether smoked, drank, ate, or vaped, cannabis use in any form during pregnancy is risky for a developing baby’s health. Cannabis today is more potent than ever and contains nearly 500 chemicals, including THC, which can pass through the placenta to a developing baby. This exposure has been linked to potential developmental issues, including changes in brain development, lower birth weight, and difficulties with attention and behavior as the child grows.
No amount of cannabis has been proven safe. Research has found that there are no known safe levels of cannabis use during pregnancy. Even small amounts can be risky for a developing baby.
THC can pass into your breast milk. Tests have shown that THC can be present in breast milk within 20 minutes of consuming it and is present for at least 24 hours after. THC is stored in fat cells and tends to stay in the body longer than other substances, so “pump and dump” doesn’t really work.
- More research is needed, but experts advise against CBD usage. Cannabis is made up of several different compounds, including CBD. CBD is a compound in cannabis and hemp that doesn’t get you high, but does have a calming effect. Because of this, products with CBD are becoming more and more popular, with manufacturers using it in food, drinks, beauty products, and other supplements. Research around CBD and pregnancy is very limited, with most existing studies involving animals. However, studies done with animals did prompt some concerns, such as negative effects on immune system development and reproductive health. Although more research is needed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and medical experts strongly warn against the use of any cannabis products, including CBD, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, saying it could pose a serious risk to the developing baby or nursing baby.
What This Means
If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding it’s recommended that you stop using cannabis. If you use cannabis for medicinal purposes, like dealing with anxiety or nausea, it’s important to look for other treatments or therapies that are safer for you and your baby during this time. You can talk to friends, the community, or your healthcare provider about alternatives — they can help you find options that work.
What if You Do Use Cannabis While Pregnant?
It happens; try not to be hard on yourself. If you have used, or are currently using cannabis while pregnant, the best thing to do is be honest — both with yourself and your healthcare provider. Together, you can come up with the best plan and support needed moving forward. Your healthcare provider might suggest additional check-ups, but in most cases, focusing on making healthy choices moving forward is what really matters.
Connection and Support
While many people are able to cut back on their use during pregnancy, those who want to stop but can’t stop, need support. Acknowledging the need for help is the first, and often the hardest, step. There are opportunities for connection and support while pregnant and using substances. If you are struggling with substance use, you are not alone.
