Expecting the Unexpected: The Risks of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

Marijuana use has become increasingly normalized and accessible in recent years, with many states legalizing it for both medical and recreational purposes. Perhaps because of this increased social acceptance, the rate of marijuana use during pregnancy has increased as well – especially during the first trimester, which is a critical time for fetal development – to treat symptoms like morning sickness, pain, and stress. Although extensive studies of the long-term effects of cannabis during pregnancy are still limited, emerging research shows that the use of marijuana can pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Understanding the Risks

Pregnancy is a critical period where the mother’s lifestyle choices directly influence the health and well-being of the developing fetus. While many people believe that marijuana is a "natural" and harmless substance, the reality is that its use during pregnancy can lead to several adverse outcomes. One of the primary concerns with marijuana use during pregnancy is its potential impact on fetal development. The active compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), crosses the placenta and can affect the developing fetus in the following ways:

• Issues with brain development, particularly in memory, attention, and learning. This can result in long-term cognitive and behavioral problems for the child.

• Low birth weight that puts babies at a higher risk for a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, developmental delays, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions later in life.

• Preterm birth, which occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation and is associated with serious health risks, including developmental disorders and difficulties with feeding and breathing.

• Increased risk of stillbirth: An extensive study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used marijuana during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to experience stillbirth.

• Long-term behavioral and cognitive issues, including problems with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in childhood. These children may also be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as they grow older.

Prevention and Treatment

Given the risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, increasing awareness of the potential harm and taking steps to reduce or eliminate use is critical. Quitting marijuana during pregnancy can be challenging, especially for those who have used it regularly for a long time. However, with the right support and resources, quitting – or reducing use – is possible and can give your baby the best start in life.

1. Educate Yourself and Lean On Others

One of the most effective ways to prevent marijuana use during pregnancy is through education. Expectant mothers should be informed about the risks associated with marijuana use and understand the potential harm it can cause to their developing baby. Healthcare providers, community organizations, family members, and friends can also play a role in educating pregnant women about the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy.

Support groups can provide valuable peer support and encouragement. These groups offer a safe space to share your experiences, challenges, and successes with others who are also working to quit marijuana.

2. Seek Support from Healthcare Providers

If you are pregnant and struggling to quit marijuana, seeking support from a healthcare provider is important. Your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner can provide you with information, resources, and guidance on how to quit safely. They may also refer you to counseling or support groups that can help you manage cravings and make healthier choices for you and your baby.

Counseling and behavioral therapy can be highly effective in helping pregnant women quit marijuana. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help you identify triggers for marijuana use and develop strategies to cope with cravings. Motivational interviewing (MI) is another therapeutic approach that can help you strengthen your commitment to quitting and achieving your goals.

3. Explore Alternative Therapies

Some pregnant women may use marijuana to manage symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or pain. If this is the case, exploring alternative therapies that are safe for use during pregnancy may be helpful. For example, ginger tea, acupressure, and prenatal yoga can help alleviate nausea, while mindfulness practices and prenatal massage can help reduce anxiety and pain.

4. Avoid Secondhand Smoke

It’s not just direct use of marijuana that poses a risk – exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke can also be harmful to a developing fetus. If you live with someone who uses marijuana, ask them to refrain from smoking around you or to smoke outside to reduce your exposure to THC.

5. Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is essential for successfully quitting marijuana during pregnancy. This may involve making changes to your daily routine, such as avoiding situations where you are tempted to use marijuana or surrounding yourself with people who support your decision to quit. A strong support network can make a key difference in your ability to stay on track and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Creating a Hopeful Future

Marijuana use during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus, including impaired brain development, low birth weight, preterm birth, and long-term behavioral issues. Making the decision to quit marijuana during pregnancy is a crucial step in giving your baby the best start in life. With the right resources and support, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy a healthy pregnancy!

If you or someone you know needs help, call 916.874.9754 or visit https://sachealthybeginnings.com/county-programs for a list of programs and resources.

If you are outside the Sacramento area, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

References

Allison Bradbury. (2019, March 27). Marijuana and pregnancy. SAMHSA.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana/marijuana-pregnancy

LaMotte, S. (2024, July 22). Serious maternal complications linked with use of marijuana before and early in pregnancy, study says. CNN; CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/health/marijuana-pregnancy-risk-wellness/index.html

Rideout, N. (2023, July 6). THC use during pregnancy linked to changes in fetal development. OHSU News. https://news.ohsu.edu/2023/07/06/thc-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-changes-in-fetal-development

Volkow, N. D., Han, B., Compton, W. M., & McCance-Katz, E. F. (2019). Self-reported medical and nonmedical cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States. JAMA, 322(2), 167. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.7982

Young-Wolff, K. C., Adams, S. R., Alexeeff, S. E., Zhu, Y., Chojolan, E., Slama, N. E., Does, M. B., Silver, L. D., Ansley, D., Castellanos, C. L., & Avalos, L. A. (2024). Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Pregnancy Outcomes. JAMA Internal Medicine, 184(9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.3270

Zoorob, R., & Quinlan, J. D. (2024). Cannabis use during pregnancy. Family Practice Management, 31(4), 19–21. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2024/0700/cannabis-during-pregnancy.html