With weed becoming legal all over the United States, more people than ever are giving the controversial plant a try. But what about those expecting mothers looking for the relief of a good smoke? First off, congratulations! Parenthood can be one of the most joyous experiences in life, but it also brings with it tough decisions to make. One of those decisions is smoking weed while pregnant. There are some risks associated which should definitely not be ignored. In this blog post, we’ll explore these risks- from the impact on fetal development to the potential for increased issues during delivery – so you can arm yourself with knowledge about how smoking could affect your little bundle of joy. Let’s dive in!
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What are the risks associated with smoking weed while pregnant?
Smoking weed while pregnant comes with a significant set of risks. First and foremost, smoking marijuana can negatively affect the health of both the mother and developing child. As with any kind of smoking, you risk exposing them to toxic chemicals that pass beyond the placenta boundary. In addition, smoking weed increases the risk of low birth weight, premature delivery, and other issues that may impact long-term development and overall health. Moreover, smoking weed during pregnancy is associated with higher risk for behavioral problems, including hyperactivity and difficulties in learning and speaking later in life which again can have a long-lasting impact on quality of life. While more research is needed to fully understand all implications smoking weed during pregnancy has on mothers’ health and their developing children, it is generally not advised.
How does marijuana affect a developing baby?
While smoking marijuana while pregnant may give a mom-to-be a momentary calm, it can have lasting effects on her little bundle of joy. Pregnant women smoking weed may not be aware of the potential risks it poses to their growing baby. Smoking marijuana while pregnant can have an adverse effect on the developing fetus as cannabinoids found in marijuana, like THC, can pass from a mom’s bloodstream into her baby. This means that smoking weed during pregnancy can influence a baby’s brain development and neurological functioning. Studies suggest that babies exposed to marijuana in utero display cognitive and emotional issues such as low birth weight, attention deficits, and difficulty controlling emotions during late childhood and teenage years –all matters that should be taken into account when smoking weed while pregnant.
You can read more on how weed can affect your baby’s development here.
What are some of the long-term health consequences for babies born to mothers who smoked weed while pregnant?
The effects aren’t relegated to the child in the womb either. There are several long-term adverse effects as well. Although smoking weed during pregnancy may not be as dangerous as smoking cigarettes, babies born to mothers who smoked any amount of weed face a variety of risks as they grow. Some of the most talked about concerns are asthmatic symptoms, cognitive impairment, and lower birth weight—all of which can have dire consequences for children’s long-term health. While smoking weed during pregnancy is a risk not all pregnant women take, it’s important to educate those who may be unaware of the potential dangers to baby and mother.
How can you get help if you’re struggling with quitting marijuana while pregnant?
For expecting mothers who are struggling to quit smoking weed while pregnant, help is available! Local smoking cessation classes and support groups can provide a safe environment to ask questions and receive practical advice on quitting. Many counselors specialize in pregnancy coaching and smoking cessation, for those wanting a more personalized approach. But the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in your struggle; many mothers have gone through similar experiences, and many resources exist to empower you with the knowledge you need to take control of your health.
Here is a list of resources that can help you find the support you need to quit.
Are there any benefits to smoking weed while pregnant?
When it comes to smoking weed while pregnant, it’s generally accepted that it is best not to do so. After all, smoking can cause a wide range of health complications in both mother and baby – the last thing a pregnant woman wants is more potential medical issues. But, surprisingly, there are certain benefits associated with smoking weed while expecting. For example, some studies suggest that smoking marijuana may help alleviate morning sickness or post-partum depression; other research has suggested differing effects upon the baby’s cognitive development. While overall smoking weed during pregnancy is still considered taboo due to the lack of available evidence and long-term risks posed to baby and mother, the potential positive effects shouldn’t be immediately disregarded.
You can read more about using marijuana for morning sickness here.
Can you pass THC along to your baby through breast milk if you smoke weed while breastfeeding?
Although smoking weed while pregnant is still not recommended or condoned, the science tells us that smoking marijuana while breastfeeding (not smoking it while pregnant) may not have as harmful of an effect on your baby, like many other substances do. In fact, when it comes to THC being passed through breast milk, the research remains murky and inconclusive. What remains certain is that if marijuana affects a child’s development or behavior in any way, it would likely be temporary and minor. As with anything taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the best advice is always to err on the side of caution and to consult with a medical professional before making any major lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
If you’re pregnant and considering smoking weed, there are a few things you should take into account. First and foremost, it’s important to understand the risks involved with smoking weed while pregnant. Additionally, you should be aware of how marijuana can affect a developing baby and what some of the long-term health consequences for babies born to mothers who smoked weed during pregnancy may be. If you’re struggling with quitting marijuana while pregnant, know that there is help available to you. And finally, while there are some benefits to smoking weed while pregnant, always consult a medical professional before doing so.
