Is it safe to smoke just a hit or two of marijuana a week while pregnant?

sweber368

Please don't judge me, I just want to hear opinions since there is very little research.

lopezalonso

Um, no. If cigarettes are bad (not just because of the nicotine) then I would not smoke anything. Plus when you buy weed on the street it can be mixed with other things as well that you do not want your baby to be exposed to. I would be cautious and just avoid it entirely. 

Reddvl

lopezalonso said:

Um, no. If cigarettes are bad (not just because of the nicotine) then I would not smoke anything. Plus when you buy weed on the street it can be mixed with other things as well that you do not want your baby to be exposed to. I would be cautious and just avoid it entirely. 

Cigarettes and marijuana are two completely things.  Cigarettes are never safe to smoke during pregnancy.  Here is a study on marijuana use and pregnancy, but if you don't have a science / statistics background, you might not be able to judge for yourself the efficiency of the study.  

jessib10

I don't see a link.

Soap1

There's no good way to study marijuana use and pregnancy.  Even if you could get a study, the types of women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy would be characteristically different than those who abstain.  

OP, I would not smoke marijuana while pregnant.  It's poorly studied (even more poorly than alcohol and pregnancy).  It is likely illegal where you live.  It is generally not, in my opinion, a responsible behavioral choice while pregnant, particularly not as often as you are suggesting.  One hit in the entire pregnancy is one thing; 1-2 a week is unwise.

Reddvl

jessib10 said:

I don't see a link.

Oops,  there a bunch.  I google, and then clicked scholarly articles: 

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=pregnancy+and+marijuana+use&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=0T9YUtnQOYX28gTHtIGQCw&ved=0CDUQgQMwAA

Yes, there is no good way to study it because its based on survey data and relies on accurate reporting by survey participants.  There's also the issue of the fact that respondents likely use marijuana with other substances.  Of course, the studies attempt to control for such things, but still, there's not going to be a study where the respondents *only* smoked marijuana and didn't smoke cigarettes, use alcohol, etc.  I thought I heard that there was a study of Jamaican women that used marijuana and but I couldn't find it. 

rowanthefrog

There is very little research bc its difficult to find a population of women who are willing to put their babies at risk. It's 9 months of your entire life. The potential risks to your baby just aren't worth it: low birth weight, learning disabilities, birth defects. Is a lifetime of potential problems for your child worth feeling good for a few hours? I would hope not.

Additionally, when the baby is born, if they suspect drug use, they can drug test you, and if you have drugs in your system then most states will automatically call Child Protective Services and they could take your baby away.

A

Reddvl

Here's the Jamaica study: 

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/93/2/254.short

This one actually finds that at one month "The neonates of heavy-marijuana-using mothers had better scores on autonomic stability, quality of alertness, irritability, and self-regulation and were judged to be more rewarding for caregivers."

Reddvl

I would actually give the Jamaica study more weight than US or European based ones because the Jamaican women used marijuana culturally and are probably less likely than US or European women to have also smoked cigarettes, used other drugs or used alcohol.  

jessib10

Reddvl said:

I would actually give the Jamaica study more weight than US or European based ones because the Jamaican women used marijuana culturally and are probably less likely than US or European women to have also smoked cigarettes, used other drugs or used alcohol.  

Ehhhh, I don't know. I still don't think it's a good idea to smoke pot while pregnant. I'm not so interested as the effects on mom as I am interested as how it will effect baby.

lopezalonso

Reddvl said:

Here's the Jamaica study: 

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/93/2/254.short

This one actually finds that at one month "The neonates of heavy-marijuana-using mothers had better scores on autonomic stability, quality of alertness, irritability, and self-regulation and were judged to be more rewarding for caregivers."

It's very difficult to judge this comment out of context... I'm incredulous. Not because I have anything against smoking marijuana... God knows I don't. I just think the research is shoddy and findings are as a result, unreliable. I rather not risk it if there is any chance of it bringing harm to the baby. On the other hand, if you had a medical condition which was only relieved by smoking marijuana... it would come down to a benefit risk analysis. 

Pediatrics is a good journal... do you know what were the effect sizes in this Jamaica study are? I don't have access to the complete article from home. I may just take a look on Monday.

monkeybutt61612

My sister smoked pot while pregnant, my nephew is fine. 

mabjcb19

I'm not sure if this post is for real or if it's just MUD but seriously OP everything you put into your body gets to the baby. You (or others) might think one hit is "no big deal" but that is an unborn DEVELOPING fetus inside of you. How can you think that its ok to subject him/her to that? You really can't go 9 months without a hit? Yeah don't tell me not to judge you either.

rockopera

This again?

Do what you want. But know that strangers on the Internet are generally not going to support someone who cannot or will not abstain from recreational drugs during pregnancy.

Winnieella

To be honest...this post has to be MUD.  Why would you want to risk something like that for your baby. Your baby is still developing. Not to mention, pot is probably illegal where you live, and like another poster said, if the doctors suspect drugs when the baby is born, they will call CPS.

Reddvl

MrsJWoodJr said:

To be honest...this post has to be MUD.  Why would you want to risk something like that for your baby. Your baby is still developing. Not to mention, pot is probably illegal where you live, and like another poster said, if the doctors suspect drugs when the baby is born, they will call CPS.

I don't even like smoking pot, and I don't care one way or another, BUT, unless you went to the hospital stoned out of your tree, HOW IN THE WORLD would the doctor know or suspect that she had been doing drugs?  To the level of calling CPS? It sounds hysterical and blown way out of proportion.  Her post says one or two hits a week.  From my extremely limited experience with drugs, one hit of a joint or whatever would not make you very stoned for very long.  

I understand that whatever you put in your body can be passed to your child, but people eat and drink all sorts of crap while they are pregnant (and not pregnant).  Hormones in milk, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, pesticides; the garbage that is in commercial, processed food is unbelievable.  So, unless you are growing your own food in completely uncontaminated soil and raising your own livestock, chances are good you are putting something in your body that is theoretically harmful for your child.  

I am not saying go ahead and smoke marijuana all the time, but if a tiny little hit relaxes you from time to time, I say, read the studies and decide for yourself if the risk presented is worth it. 

Also, the study I quoted about the Jamaican women does measure the effects on the baby, not the effects on the mother.  

lesleygosooners

I wouldn't.

Dianakdee

NOO! It goes into your blood stream and baby will be affected wait until after baby is born.

KariB509

Since know one really know the risks, I say just don't smoke anything during pregnancy.

cantsitwithus

::rolls eyes:: Here we go...again.

bossyfnp

my sister smoked...... And I think my niece is a genius. But I wouldn't risk it!

Winnieella

Reddvl said:

MrsJWoodJr said:

To be honest...this post has to be MUD.  Why would you want to risk something like that for your baby. Your baby is still developing. Not to mention, pot is probably illegal where you live, and like another poster said, if the doctors suspect drugs when the baby is born, they will call CPS.

I don't even like smoking pot, and I don't care one way or another, BUT, unless you went to the hospital stoned out of your tree, HOW IN THE WORLD would the doctor know or suspect that she had been doing drugs?  To the level of calling CPS? It sounds hysterical and blown way out of proportion.  Her post says one or two hits a week.  From my extremely limited experience with drugs, one hit of a joint or whatever would not make you very stoned for very long.  

I understand that whatever you put in your body can be passed to your child, but people eat and drink all sorts of crap while they are pregnant (and not pregnant).  Hormones in milk, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, pesticides; the garbage that is in commercial, processed food is unbelievable.  So, unless you are growing your own food in completely uncontaminated soil and raising your own livestock, chances are good you are putting something in your body that is theoretically harmful for your child.  

I am not saying go ahead and smoke marijuana all the time, but if a tiny little hit relaxes you from time to time, I say, read the studies and decide for yourself if the risk presented is worth it. 

Also, the study I quoted about the Jamaican women does measure the effects on the baby, not the effects on the mother.  

Doctors are trained to look for different symptoms. Did you know that the smell of Pot lingers in your clothing. As well as any other type of fabric in your home. She doesn't have to come into the hospital stoned, all she has to do is go to the hospital smelling like it. Then Doctors have to call. It is the same with teachers, if there is any suspicion (not having to KNOW, but just a GUESS) they LEGALLY have to call CPS. I know that because I have had my ass handed to me for not calling cps when a child's parent has smelt like pot. The parent wasn't high, they just smelt like pot. 

Winnieella

@Asvwolf...I love you and your wonderful brain. 

@Reddvl...I really hope you aren't smoking pot since it is bad for children. 

Meery82

FFS. No. No pot. Don't be fucking ridiculous. Why would you risk that?? The selfishness needs to cease. You're going to be a mother. Being selfish doesn't fly anymore.

2010weddinggal

Eh smoke your pot because anything people tell you on here your prob not going to listen to anyways. But just remember sometimes hospitals are required to drug test babies when they are born and if it is positive the baby will not be coming home with you. So go ahead and be selfish if you want its your life, your baby...

mamato3girls

I was just reading some information on marijuana use in pregnancy to ease severe hyperemesis.  It wasn't being smoked though I can't remember how it was administered.  Some sort of steam or something?  Inhalation but not smoking.  I'll have to see if I can find the articles again.  But it basically said that from the limited studies it was showing fewer long term effects when used that way than regularly prescribed anti nausea medicines prescribed to women during pregnancy. 

As for me I would not smoke marijuana pregnant or not so my answer to this specific question would be no.  As far as using it to ease hyperemesis I don't know that I feel confident enough in how thorough those studies are to feel comfortable with it.

sweber368

Wow, you're a jerk. There is no reason to be so rude in your reply. A non helpful, judgmental response like this makes me want to quit this site. You are right though, everything you put in your body goes to your baby. I wonder how much you have thought this through. Have you ate any processed foods while pregnant? High fructose corn syrup? Been highly stressed? Taken any pills? Ate anything that isn't organic and 100% natural? Ya there is a lot of shit out there that can negatively effect your baby. Open your mind a bit and realize marijuana is not the only questionable substance and MANY women ingest these things daily without the harsh judgment you are putting on me. 

Winnieella

sweber368 said:

Wow, you're a jerk. There is no reason to be so rude in your reply. A non helpful, judgmental response like this makes me want to quit this site. You are right though, everything you put in your body goes to your baby. I wonder how much you have thought this through. Have you ate any processed foods while pregnant? High fructose corn syrup? Been highly stressed? Taken any pills? Ate anything that isn't organic and 100% natural? Ya there is a lot of shit out there that can negatively effect your baby. Open your mind a bit and realize marijuana is not the only questionable substance and MANY women ingest these things daily without the harsh judgment you are putting on me. 

The quote button would be lovely to use, since it helps all of us know who the jerk is. Also, just because it is natural doesn't mean it is always the best thing for your baby. 

MamaP19

@Reddvl  just an FYI - I transferred OBs recently and decided to pick up my medical records from OB #1 to personally deliver them to OB #2 at my appointment. When I browsed the records, guess what I was surprised to find... Every urinalysis not only checked for hormone levels, proteins, etc. but also screened for drug use. This may not be universal, but I wasn't informed it was being done so what makes you think OP's doctor doesn't have the same procedure? 

OP why don't you do what you would with any other pregnancy related question and ask your OB for their opinion on if its safe..

ordinary1

First of all, yeah it is a bad idea. Common sense will tell you so. Secondly, I find that Incredibly selfish that you are even thinking of this. Third, I hope this is MUD and that someone wouldn't intentionally put their wants above the health of their child. Fourth, I absolutely judge!

Whisperscloset

I dont smoke or drink, and i am not judging you in any way..but my sister use to smoke pot while she was pregnant, till she went in for her appt, and they told her it needed to be out of her system by the next appt. or they would not see her again....its illegal in most states, and doctors do take this serious..not because of you, but because of your baby..I would hold off until after the baby..you can substitute that crave by eating more....be blessed...

ktpaladino

Obviously I don't know you, but I am assuming if you're asking about doing a few hits a week while PREGNANT, you're used to doing much more. With an addiction like that, I would be worried that you would start small with a few hits, but would increase your usage as time goes on and everything is seemingly "fine." As the PP's have mentioned, it's not safe for the baby and not worth the risk. I think now would be a good time to seek help if you are even considering smoking while pregnant. Also, people getting their children taken away after drug testing in the hospital is not an exaggeration. I've personally known two people whos' families have been ripped apart because this has happened. One person when the baby was born premature, and the other person a few months after birth when the baby fell ill and drugs were discovered in her system. (Most likely from being ingested from the drugs laying within reach around the home once the baby became mobile) So please OP, don't risk getting yourself into that situation. Smoking weed can jeopardize your child's health during and after pregnancy.

kklimas

I think that if you are actually considering this and you're not fake, then you need to seek help for substance abuse. This should not even be a question in your mind. Good luck.

Meery82

Wow, you're a jerk. There is no reason to be so rude in your reply. A non helpful, judgmental response like this makes me want to quit this site. You are right though, everything you put in your body goes to your baby. I wonder how much you have thought this through. Have you ate any processed foods while pregnant? High fructose corn syrup? Been highly stressed? Taken any pills? Ate anything that isn't organic and 100% natural? Ya there is a lot of shit out there that can negatively effect your baby. Open your mind a bit and realize marijuana is not the only questionable substance and MANY women ingest these things daily without the harsh judgment you are putting on me. 

So yeah, I don't know who your were referring to, but I'll reply: you're the jerk for doing that to your baby. You said it yourself that you know everything goes to your baby. So why the hell would you do something harmful on purpose?? Your argument makes no sense. How can you compare sugar and stress to drugs? I did eat a few cookies when I was pregnant. According to you, that's the equivalent of puffing the cheeba few times a week. Lay off that shit. Your baby will thank you when he/she is older.

mamamia866

Between drug screening of urine and risk of developmental delays (my SIL smoked during pregnancy=niece is autistic), it's not worth it for "just a few hits a week". Unless you don't want to keep the baby? Go to NA, get help.

Beddy13

Go into a hospital were babies are born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy . Those poor little bodies are now also addicted . They have withdrawl symptoms , low body weight and that's just the beginning . Do you really want a new life to start out that way ? I would steer clear of any drugs !!!

RedCardinal

broccoli's_girl said:

IF we already know that:

A- Everything you consume goes to the baby

AND

B- It's been scientifically proven that marijuana kills brain cells

THEN

C- The pot YOU consume will kill your developing baby's brain cells.

Why risk it? Seriously.

This. Drugs and alcohol are directly absorbed to the blood, it's not filtered like the foods we eat. That's why it's so dangerous for us, and the baby. Don't do it.

Meery82

Beddy13 said:

Go into a hospital were babies are born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy . Those poor little bodies are now also addicted . They have withdrawl symptoms , low body weight and that's just the beginning . Do you really want a new life to start out that way ? I would steer clear of any drugs !!!

This. You wouldn't want to see what drugs can do to the poor innocent babies I've seen in the NICU. Their stupid, self-indulgent mothers couldn't pull off the drugs at least long enough to grow a healthy child. And now these babies have to suffer the consequences of utter selfishness.

Meery82

@golfergirl08, my son hijacked my ipad because he loves watching the bird in your siggy. LOL

TiffanyCMU25

I live in Colorado where smoking weed is not only legal but is widely used everywhere it seems.  I've been around others who are smoking marijuana but have NEVER smoked it while being pregnant.  I just want to make sure I keep my body as healthy as I can even taking it to the level of cutting out all caffeine which is also considered a drug.  I would just avoid it for the sake of your baby.

Amanda302014

Being a nurse who works in a hospital I just want to let you know that many hospitals automatically drug test all newborns and they don't need parental consent to do this. If your baby tests positive the hospital is required by law to call CPS and report it. And your baby will be taken away from you. In states where mandatory newborn drug screens are not required, the doctor or nurse who suspects any drug use can and will drug test your baby. OBGYNs can drug test your urine at appointments and they don't have to tell you that they drug tested you. If you come back positive they will automatically test your baby for drugs at birth.

Why risk losing your newborn just for a buzz, it's not worth it in my opinion. It can take months even up to a year to earn custody back from the state if they take your baby, you'll have to do parenting classes, weekly drug tests, supervised visits, and you'll miss out on everything.