Pregnancy is a very beautiful and very careful time in the life of every woman who is hoping to become a mother . During this time, we have to think twice about what we eat and drink, about the medicines we take, and about everything we say and do. Because all of that affects the little baby in the womb. So, in the meantime, a question that comes to some people is whether the use of cannabis, or hemp (Marijuana), is appropriate during this time. Perhaps you have also heard stories about this. That is why, today we will talk about this precisely, clearly, in a way that you can understand.
How does cannabis use during pregnancy affect the baby?
Simply put, if you use marijuana during pregnancy, it can pose a significant risk to your baby's health. This can happen not only from smoking it, but also from eating edibles containing marijuana. Research has found that this can cause a variety of problems for the baby.
Think about it, as a mother, almost everything you take in passes to your baby. It does so through the placenta . This is an amazing organ that provides the baby with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. But it can also pass harmful substances that enter your body to your baby. The main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, the ingredient that we call the "high," THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) , easily crosses the placenta and enters the body of the baby in the womb.
This chemical, THC, can directly affect the development of a growing baby, especially the brain . Any disruption to this crucial period of brain development can affect the baby's entire future.
Let's take a closer look at these risks in the table below.
| Risks of cannabis use during pregnancy | |
|---|---|
| Affected party | Possible risks |
| To the baby in the womb |
|
| To mother (to you) | |
Research shows that this risk is even greater for children of pregnant mothers who use cannabis daily or heavily.
Is the saying "Good for Morning Sickness" true?
Some people believe that cannabis is a good remedy for morning sickness , which occurs in the early months of pregnancy. However, this has not been scientifically proven. Also, the harm to the baby from using cannabis is much greater than the small relief it provides for this discomfort.
Cannabis is not a safe solution for conditions such as nausea, stress, or anxiety during pregnancy.
If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see your doctor . There are safe treatments for these conditions that are safe for the baby, including medications, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. So it's important to follow your doctor's advice and not try anything you don't know.
Does someone else's use of cannabis have any effect?
This is also a very important issue. Even if you don't use marijuana, if someone else is smoking marijuana (secondhand smoke) or vaping in your area, inhaling that smoke can also harm the baby in the womb.
Remember, just like cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke contains many chemicals that are harmful to the baby. So, if they do that around you, please kindly ask them to stop. It is very important for your safety and that of the baby.
After the baby is born and during breastfeeding?
Okay, so now that the baby is born, is it okay to use marijuana after that? Especially if you're breastfeeding, you should avoid using marijuana completely during that time as well .
Because the THC chemical that enters your body also enters your baby's body through breast milk. What effects can this have on the baby?
- The baby is always sleepy and lifeless.
- Difficulty and laziness in breastfeeding.
- Delayed development of the child's motor skills.
Therefore, it is not at all advisable to take this risk during breastfeeding, which is the first and most important period in a baby's life.
What do doctors recommend?
All major medical organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which is recognized worldwide, clearly recommend that, to ensure complete safety, cannabis use should be completely avoided in the following cases:
- If you are pregnant
- If you are planning to get pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
Although some people think that "medical marijuana" is safe, medical experts say that it is not even safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it contains THC.
If you find it difficult to stop using marijuana, don't be ashamed or afraid. Please talk to your doctor about this openly . Your doctor can refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help. It's the best decision you can make for you and your baby.
Take-Home Message
- Cannabis use during pregnancy can directly harm the brain development, weight, and overall health of the unborn child.
- This is also risky for the mother's health. It can cause problems such as dizziness, accidents, and difficulty breathing.
- Cannabis is not a safe solution for conditions like morning sickness and stress. Always seek medical advice.
- Inhaling secondhand smoke from people around you smoking marijuana is also harmful to the baby.
- Using marijuana while breastfeeding can cause the chemicals in it to pass through the milk to the baby, causing birth defects and affecting development.
- If you are planning to become pregnant, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding, avoid using cannabis altogether. If you need help, talk to your doctor.
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