Marijuana and pregnancy

danes000

I know this thread won't be for everyone but I wanted to put it out there to mamas that used to smoke or are continuing to smoke during pregnancy. I live in Canada and in a place where people are very liberal with their views on marijuana. (Pregnant and non pregnant wise).
I quit when I found out I was pregnant but I so would love a toke.
I have gfs that smoked throughout their whole pregnancy with no complications.
Anyways just want to hear other people's thoughts
Not looking for a debate on pro and anti marijuana - just for moms who perhaps smoke/smoked.
Maybe I'm the only one on here...hah.

ammnam14

I live in Colorado, almost everyone I know smokes. It's not for me but it's interesting lol. I have a friend who smoked throughout her whole pregnancy and the baby is healthy and happy. I haven't heard anything bad about smoking and pregnancy though. The guy that lives below me smokes at least 10x's a day and my windows are always open. The smell makes me pretty nauesous.

I realized I just rambled and rambled, sorry. Haha

danes000

Fair enough I doubt if you are non smoker the smell would be appealing anytime especially while pregnant.
It seems that it's great for morning sickness so I hear.
No worries at all glad to hear back

GodIsFaithful93

There has been another thread on this as well. Regardless on what my views are with marijuana, I definitely would abstain while pregnant. From what I understand there really is just not enough research to determine if it's safe or not for baby. I did read that it can effect concentration, short term memory, and judgement. Usually, you also don't know if the marijuana has been contaminated with anything. It's really best to stay away.

nellybellycat

I was a smoker prior even though its not legal in Ohio-yet. I have several friends who do. Only 1 admits to occassionally toking in the 2nd tri. Im counting down until I can do it again. I wont be smoking during my pregnancy even though ive read several studies (most importantly the longitudal studies done in Jamaica) and I personally feel like in moderation it would be ok but my husband does not. Quitting for 9+ months is no biggie. Itll be there when im ready. Im a clincal research nurse in oncology so im very pro marijuana for medicinal purposes. I would much rather pts be able to use pot rather than giving them pills that leads to side effects for which they are prescribed more pills. I work w lung cancer pts and ive never had 1 come in that has been an exclusive pot smoker and now has lung cancer

danes000

I appreciate the comment Alexandrianewton and I mean this in the kindest way possible...I wasn't really looking for opinions of non smokers. More so like minded individuals that have come across this in their pregnancy journey.

lmgagliardi@hotmail.com

I was just reading an article on this actually at babycenter. They say that they find a correlation between marijuana smoking during pregnancy and baby's concentration. Baby's of moms that smoke marijuana often have problems with attention, processing and concentration although they did not find a link to ADHD

BostonBaby1

mfarglio

I've been waiting for someone to post something like this. I've had multiple people (NOT medical professionals) recommend it for morning sickness but not sure I could bring myself to do it because my midwives office drug tests at every appointment anyways and will refuse to see you anymore if you have a positive test two appointments in a row.

That being said when I worked in the hospital I had a few coworkers who smoked throughout their whole pregnancy, one was even very open about it with her OB, and all 3 of them had healthy babies.

ETA: Where I used to live before moving marijuana was illegal and they would check the meconium of every NICU baby for drug use. A signed release was not required as these tests were covered under the general consent for treatment and the drug use can be traced back for months testing that way as opposed to a urine sample. I never would have even know about this had I not had so many family members who worked for NICU.

mfarglio

BostonBaby1 said:

Your popcorn gifs are making me hardcore crave a huge bucket of buttery salty popcorn from the movie theater!!

dp1320

danes000 said:

I appreciate the comment Alexandrianewton and I mean this in the kindest way possible...I wasn't really looking for opinions of non smokers. More so like minded individuals that have come across this in their pregnancy journey.

You're posting on a public forum. You're going to get opinions that don't align with yours whether you want them or not.

hummingbird35

I smoked before I knew I was pregnant (cigarettes too) and drank. Aaaand freaked out-- I told my Doc and he said that it was probably okay, but to stop (obviously)-- the chemicals and the lack of research were his main concerns, esp. in the 1st trimester. 

rachel10488

I live in CA and have a license so smoked before pregnancy but my husband and I quit a few months before trying actually since it can affect sperm. I wouldn't smoke during my pregnancy, but I will tell you I can see the appeal when struggling with morning sickness! Seems like it would be healthier to prescribe than some of the drugs Drs do. I was drinking this morning sickness tea from whole foods one morning and it had the faintest after taste of weed so I grabbed the box to look at the ingredients because I couldn't imagine they could use that in a product sold on grocery shelves. (There was no weed in it, must have been another herb)
It did give me the idea that with more research, if it's safe, they should make a mild marijuana tea for morning sickness...once it's legal everywhere of course.

I actually don't plan on smoking again after baby is born either, I can't imagine being able to take care of my newborn without being completely sober. The sleep deprivation will be enough.

VesperLove

This is a joke right? You post about marijuana (a mostly illegal substance) during pregnancy on a board full of pregnant women who want to do what's best for their child and yet you honestly think you can control the responses you get by requesting only like-minded individuals comment? That isnt how the internet works, especially when it comes to controversial topics.

Im not a pot smoker. Never have been and never will be but not because im against it. I just never have. I also live in a state where it is legal, have many friends who smoke regularly, have friends who use it medicinally for their infant child, as well as older family members who also use medicinally...but ill refrain from commenting because, well, im not a smoker and therefore not "like-minded" (whatever that means) and dont want to go against your wishes...even though what i have to say might be useful. My bad.

EEB88

Since my son was a total surprise, I smoked marijuana because when I can home from work I had "tummy aches" and it really made me feel better, but as previous posts stated, there hasn't been enough studies on the effects on baby, so I stopped as soon as I found out I was pregnant. But it does make you think, which is better for baby? Marijuana or Zofran? As far I know, I would rather give up those kinds of things (smoking, drinking, sushi) while pregnant. Better safe than sorry! 

I haven't smoked since then so it wasn't an issue with this baby. 

GardenMama116

I didn't read the original post to be asking for only like-minded individuals...I understood her request to be to hear from people who have smoked prior to conception and what they decided to do after the learning they were pregnant.

jjmace

I am the child of a pregnant mamma who continued to toke throughout her pregnancy (and life). Many talks and stories with my mom revealed this interesting (and at times upsetting news). She will also claim that the marijuana back then was weaker lol. To all measurable extents I was a healthy/normal and well adjusted kiddo. I am the second child, I have a brother who's four years older than me (also healthy/normal).The story of my actual birth my mom couldn't reach my dad right away (military base... They did find him and get him to the hospital ASAP) mom takes a cab, the driver is freaking out with labor lady, she asks to toke, he agrees, arrive at hospital relaxed and dilated enough... I was born with in the hour. My mom continues to toke as grandma and watching her "play time" with my nephew is really neat. She is so connected with him and the moments they share. She's a baby whisperer

koala1107

I'll admit I enjoyed my share of marijuana in college and am a supporter of it at least becoming legal for medicinal purposes. I think in an alternate form and with proper testing the ingredients could potentially be a safer morning sickness medicine in the future. That being said, I haven't touched it in years and wouldn't consider it while pregnant or breast feeding as I wouldn't want to risk any potential problems for my baby. Using the rationale of "I have a friend who did it her whole pregnancy and her baby turned out fine" just is not nearly enough proof that it's not harmful for me to even consider. (Not actually quoting any PPs, just saying). Aside from THC and all the potential chemicals inhaled from burning, the smoke itself reduces your blood oxygen level and that can be harmful to your baby. If you really love it and live somewhere that it's legal, smoke it all you want on your own time, but stay away when there's someone else's innocent life on the line. You're sharing your body with a child right now, and if you wouldn't give a baby a smoke you shouldn't smoke yourself while its dependent on you.

skmomma

I was a smoker as well before I got pregnant. The day I found out I quit. I have been having dreams of smoking and in them its like the first time high. Super high. But I don't think I will do it because I am super scared of dhs taking my baby if I ever test positive. I know a lot of women that did through their whole pregnancy and babies are fine. And they didnt lose custody. I also enjoy a few beers on a Saturday night but giving it up for the bundle of joy I have wanted for years is totally worth it.

masher22

Studies have shown that Marijuana increases the chances of the baby being born with leukimia. I know a girl that smoked through her first pregnancy and baby was fine. She did the same with her second and child was born with leukemia. She's about 4 now and is in a wheelchair still fighting the disease. I was a heavy all day everyday smoker but I stopped when I found out I was pregnant. It was really hard to stop I still miss it, but I don't want to chance it. There's already so much stuff that could go wrong. Maybe it wasn't the weed that made her baby sick but what if it was.

josiesanderson

My first ? I didn't even know I was pregnant before it was over. Everytime I smoked pot; I bled. I went to a doctor and found out I was pregnant and stopped . 3 weeks later I lost the baby . SOME peoples babies can manage to live through oxygen deprivation but are statistically shown to be more cranky . I Have and will NEVER touch pot again after finding out what I did . I HATED myself . If you can chance that and live with yourself good for you... I couldn't . I was depressed. Anyone tried to help me I said I didn't deserve it. I called myself a murderer and I still think I am. Life is more important than feeling better . . Yes , it helps with morning sickness . It can still KILL YOUR BABY. I spent 6 months doing body detoxes. And I have finally cleanly concieved. It doesn't fill the hole. I lost my baby right after Christmas and am now due on Christmas . Nothing helps except doing everything I can for this child and praying God doesn't take it for what I did.

danes000

Agree completely. It is well worth to wait, the baby is the most important thing at this point.
I am very excited to be able to smoke again, the amount and timing will of course change from before baby.
I have had terrible morning sickness and won't be taking any prescribed medication nor will I probably smoke.
The testing at birth is a whole different ball game and changes things completely. We are not tested here in Canada, If that were the case then it would be a no brainer to stop completely for the 9 months.
I am aware I cannot control the Internet and that was not my intent. I started the post more so for moms who smoke/smoked to be able to discuss their views and experience in a safe place. I can easily have a debate on pros/cons in real life but have limited friends who are currently pregnant or have given birth.

monaclemere

koala1107 said:

I'll admit I enjoyed my share of marijuana in college and am a supporter of it at least becoming legal for medicinal purposes. I think in an alternate form and with proper testing the ingredients could potentially be a safer morning sickness medicine in the future. That being said, I haven't touched it in years and wouldn't consider it while pregnant or breast feeding as I wouldn't want to risk any potential problems for my baby. Using the rationale of "I have a friend who did it her whole pregnancy and her baby turned out fine" just is not nearly enough proof that it's not harmful for me to even consider. (Not actually quoting any PPs, just saying). Aside from THC and all the potential chemicals inhaled from burning, the smoke itself reduces your blood oxygen level and that can be harmful to your baby. If you really love it and live somewhere that it's legal, smoke it all you want on your own time, but stay away when there's someone else's innocent life on the line. You're sharing your body with a child right now, and if you wouldn't give a baby a smoke you shouldn't smoke yourself while its dependent on you.

:lurker:
=D> Exactly. All of this.

GardenMama116

Some links to published studies by PubMed:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/25895138/?i=6&from=marijuana and pregnancy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/25770234/?i=7&from=cannabis and pregnancy

There are over 200 articles on PubMed for Marijuana and Pregnancy and about 50 for Cannabis and Pregnancy. From the couple I skimmed, it looks like smoking marijuana during pregnancy has similar effects as tobacco.

Ohashfo

I smoked weed during the first few weeks when I didn't know I was pregnant. What I would give to smoke right now! Esp if it helps with nausea!! BUT when I found out I was expecting, I threw my bowl away and put weed at the back of my mind. My sister in law is due July 17 and has smoked during this pregnancy, I just personally (though I want to) don't want to potentially harm the babe. I also don't want baby growing up in a house where weed is okay (I live in NC... Not legal). I didn't smoke until I was 20 and was never around it before that.
So, as much as I want to and I don't really think there are many risks involved, I don't plan to... If something was wrong with my baby I would never forgive myself for doing something that could have been omitted.

josiesanderson

Please don't risk it ...

kepoole

Aaaaaand here we go again. She wanted a discussion, not jerks jumping her case for openly asking for a refrain from negative responses on the subject. There are many pregnant ladies who openly smoke cigarettes which have been linked to
Low birth weight, asthma, and many more things but there "is not enough studies done" because they can't prove that it's harmful! There are dr's who say it's fine. And those who say it's not. There are dr's who say zofran is fine as those who say it's not. The point is if you're not going to join and OPEN MINDED conversation and just throw your "science" out while bashing someone, you can go somewhere. Science gives us a good starting point but not everyone is the same. Someone's uterus might be large to begin with so it IS above the pelvic bone early, sometimes you have two perfectly healthy parents and a rare abnormality still forms ... Be SUPPORTIVE OF EVERYONE different from you or not.

kepoole

I'm sorry but someone is trying to scare you. Cannibis oil is used to HELP cancer patients and it's not something that I believe will cause cancer in an unborn child

Mykeke94

I live in las Vegas, NV and am a daily smoker like an 8th a day. I talked to my doctors and they told me to immediately stop my cigarette smoking (it hard but I'm complying) and for my marijuana use slow down but I can continue to smoke til bout six months then they advised me to stop do that my child's neural system and etc. Would have no complications but for now I'm still smoking

danes000

jjmace said:

I am the child of a pregnant mamma who continued to toke throughout her pregnancy (and life). Many talks and stories with my mom revealed this interesting (and at times upsetting news). She will also claim that the marijuana back then was weaker lol. To all measurable extents I was a healthy/normal and well adjusted kiddo. I am the second child, I have a brother who's four years older than me (also healthy/normal).The story of my actual birth my mom couldn't reach my dad right away (military base... They did find him and get him to the hospital ASAP) mom takes a cab, the driver is freaking out with labor lady, she asks to toke, he agrees, arrive at hospital relaxed and dilated enough... I was born with in the hour. My mom continues to toke as grandma and watching her "play time" with my nephew is really neat. She is so connected with him and the moments they share. She's a baby whisperer

Love this story - thanks for sharing.
I am also waiting for play time with my child and think it's going to be such a cool experience.

BostonBaby1

kepoole said:

Aaaaaand here we go again. She wanted a discussion, not jerks jumping her case for openly asking for a refrain from negative responses on the subject. There are many pregnant ladies who openly smoke cigarettes which have been linked to
Low birth weight, asthma, and many more things but there "is not enough studies done" because they can't prove that it's harmful! There are dr's who say it's fine. And those who say it's not. There are dr's who say zofran is fine as those who say it's not. The point is if you're not going to join and OPEN MINDED conversation and just throw your "science" out while bashing someone, you can go somewhere. Science gives us a good starting point but not everyone is the same. Someone's uterus might be large to begin with so it IS above the pelvic bone early, sometimes you have two perfectly healthy parents and a rare abnormality still forms ... Be SUPPORTIVE OF EVERYONE different from you or not.

BostonBaby1

adecembermom2015

Is this real life? I can't even touch this one.

BostonBaby1

adecembermom2015

Keep em coming @BostonBaby1 I just literally can't even.

CMDD

I saw a documentary once on parents of children with various illnesses who were giving their kids marijuana to help with symptoms. One set was driving to another state to get it legally and was terrified their child would be taken away but said they'd rather have her live a healthy life without them than suffer with them. 

CMDD

@kepoole as someone who has worked in the mental health field with children of parents who smoke i can tell you i am not going to support a pregnant woman smoking anything and if she asks I'll tell her that i hope she quits for her child's sake.

nmariek

When you get pregnant your life stops and you live for your child. End of story!

GardenMama116

I don't understand all the bashing of scientific evidence. You have either scientific evidence or experiential evidence. I am a fan of the latter, but know that each individual's chemistry is different. As with all things in life, you have to make the choice that will allow you to rest your head at night and sleep. If science speaks to you, listen; if it's experience, listed to that instead. I provide no pro or con view on this issue.

BostonBaby1

enigmaanjel

I was an occasional smoker prior to finding out. Here in florida theyvdrug test you without telling you. So i quit the day i found out. This was march 26th. I went for my first appt april 13th and popped positive. Child services was called. I am testing it out of my system here at home. I still pop pos and swear to all that is holy i have NOT smoked since march 26th!!!! I habe til 28weeks to pee clean or i lose my kids. I hate this!!! I never smoke whhen i am pg. I don't even drink caffeine. I don't smoke cigarettes and rarely have i drank alcohol in my life. And now i face losing my kids over weed i smoked months ago. It metabolizes in the fat and since i am obese i guess i am screwed. I wish they would legalize it already because i smoked for my ptsd as the pills i was on made me a Zombie