smoking weed ?

venusmedina33 · August 2013

is it bad while pregnant? I know a lot of women in Jamaica do it and in other parts of the world? whats your opinion ladies?

Enami · August 2013

I would think it depends on your pre-pregnancy smoking habits. I believe marijuana is "better" health-wise than tobacco, and if you're a heavy tobacco smoker, your doctor may direct you to step down rather than quit altogether. I would think it would be similar for marijuana. And I guess it also depends on why you smoke. I would rather someone manage their pain with marijuana than pharmaceuticals any day.

But marijuana is illegal most places for recreational use, so I would quit if that's all it was and you don't have a huge habit.

mfarmer0811 · August 2013

My SIL smoked marijuana while she was pregnant. My niece, who is now 9, has ALOT of developmental issues! She is high on the autism spectrum. I personally believe this is attributed to the marijuana!

ziggy903 · August 2013

I would think that anything that effects your body in ways like that wouldn't be safe during pregnancy.

DEL14 · August 2013

I live in humboldt county, which for those that don't know, has a reputation for being all about weed. Let's just say at my ob's office it is standard practice to tell all women they shouldn't be drinking or smoking and that includes pot.

MMason12 · August 2013

Information from the University of Washington ADAI:

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug amongst women of reproductive age or by women who are pregnant.

Even though there has been little research into the effects of marijuana use upon the unborn child, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women and their partners do not use alcohol or any other drug due to the potential harmful effects on the developing baby.

Can marijuana use affect fertility?

Heavy use of marijuana has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women. In females, there is evidence that marijuana use may disrupt the menstrual cycle. In males, marijuana is thought to decrease sperm quality and testosterone levels. It is also thought to decrease the ability of sperm to move quickly and has been linked to sperm abnormalities.

These factors can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

Can marijuana use affect pregnancy?

THC (delta-9-hydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is known to pass from the mother to the developing fetus through the placenta. This means that the fetus is affected by any amount of marijuana taken by the pregnant woman, placing it at a greater risk of complications occurring. The effect of the passive inhalation of marijuana as a result of breathing in the smoke of others is not quantified, but should be avoided.

Any form of smoking can disrupt the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which can result in restrictions in the growth of the fetus (including overall length, foot length, head size and body weight), and in rare cases premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth.

Can marijuana use affect the baby?

There is some evidence that women who use marijuana during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to babies with lower birth weight, delayed commencement of breathing, an increase in features similar to those found in foetal alcohol syndrome, exaggerated startle response, tremors, poorer eye-sight, poorer ability to adapt to new aspects of the environment, and a "hole in the heart" (ventricular septal defect).

Other studies have found that in the first six months of life, babies who have been exposed to marijuana in utero are also at greater risk of developing asthma, chest infections, and other breathing problems such as wheezing.

Research suggests that, at ages three to four years, children of mothers who used marijuana while pregnant have poorer verbal, memory and reasoning ability; poorer motor skills and shorter length of play; and are more likely to be fearful, impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive and delinquent. These difficulties appear to persist to age 10 years, when they may be accompanied by increased depression and anxiety, along with reading and spelling problems and general underachievement at school. Such deficits may also continue into adolescence and early adulthood, along with an increased risk for initiation of tobacco and marijuana use.

In addition, there exists some evidence that mothers’ marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of their children developing childhood cancers, including non-lymphoblastic leukaemia, rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare, highly malignant tumour that can occur anywhere in the body), and astrocytoma (a type of brain tumour).

Preliminary research suggests that fathers’ marijuana use in the year prior to their children’s birth is associated with an increased risk of rhabdomyosarcoma in their children, and that fathers’ marijuana use during conception, pregnancy or postnatally is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in their infants. Furthermore, some research suggests that children of fathers who experience marijuana dependence at least at some point in their lifetimes are more likely to experience negative outcomes during childhood, such as poor attachment relationships with their caregivers and psychosocial impairments, including depression and conduct problems.

Can marijuana use affect breast milk?

When a breastfeeding mother uses marijuana, THC passes into the breast-milk and thus into the baby, where it can be stored in the baby’s fatty tissue for several weeks.

Using marijuana while breastfeeding may cause the baby to be unsettled and disrupt feeding cycles.

As a result, marijuana use should be avoided when breastfeeding.

Can using marijuana impact on pregnancy care?

Other problems can be experienced by pregnant women using marijuana because they are less likely to disclose their use of marijuana to health care workers. The stigma associated with their use, as well as fear, guilt and shame about what they may have exposed their unborn baby to, may prevent these women from giving a full history to their obstetricians or midwives.

This may impact on the quality of care for both the woman and her developing baby as health care workers do not have a complete history.

What can you do?

If you are planning to become, or are pregnant, and you or your partner are using marijuana, then it is a good time to stop using.

If you or your partner have been using marijuana during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife about this. With this knowledge they can help provide support as well as give you and your partner the care you need. They will also be able to help, or refer you to someone else who can help, you or your partner cut down or quit your marijuana use.

Resource Link: Click Here.

rowanthefrog · August 2013

Since THC can cross the placenta and I doubt there have been studies done to figure out the effects of it on the baby, I'd go with abstaining while pregnant. Better safe than sorry. You can't take something like that back.

A

IrishBaby1982 · August 2013

My mom smoked marijuana throughout her pregnancy with me and my brother. Luckily, I didn't have any developmental delays, but I had chronic ear, nose and throat issues and asthma and chronic bronchitis since early childhood. 1 joint is equivalent to 7 cigarettes in terms of its respitory effects. I would never recommend it.

map94612 · August 2013

This is coming from an addictions counselor... Please do not do it! You would not be setting your baby up for a healthy birth.

J&NL · August 2013

Smoking anything while pregnant is harmful.

jessib10 · August 2013

Enami said:

I would think it depends on your pre-pregnancy smoking habits. I believe marijuana is "better" health-wise than tobacco, and if you're a heavy tobacco smoker, your doctor may direct you to step down rather than quit altogether. I would think it would be similar for marijuana. And I guess it also depends on why you smoke. I would rather someone manage their pain with marijuana than pharmaceuticals any day.

But marijuana is illegal most places for recreational use, so I would quit if that's all it was and you don't have a huge habit.

I don't believe that to be true unless you grow it yourself. Alot of the weed sold in the streets is mixed with random chemicals or laced with other drugs to make it heavier and easier to make profits off of. I wouldn't suggest smoking pot while you're pregnant. It's 40 weeks without it... or if you're baby is born with a defect or disability it's a lifetime of wondering if smoking weed while you were pregnant caused it. IMO it's not worth it.

homediva · August 2013

Please don't. So not OK.

cantsitwithus · August 2013

Is this a joke?

nannabee21 · August 2013

I'm a nurse in a newborn nursery and if you are positive for drugs (including weed) at any point in your pregnancy you get an automatic social service consult and a report with ocs. I would refrain if I was you.

rowanthefrog · August 2013

My recommendation....

TsengAkera · August 2013

Just because one particular group does it, doesn't mean it's healthy or smart. Try watching Taboo.. and see the stuff that is considered okay in other cultures but seem to have long term negative affects on those it's inflicted on.

I can't count how often going to my appointments they tell me smoking anything is bad even though I have never smoked a thing my entire life. It's a drug that alters your brain chemistry and it has other affects on your body.. I think that would be enough to say it's a bad idea to use it.

ktpaladino · August 2013

I hope this is a joke. Smoking anything while pregnant is harmful for the fetus. Any drugs you put in your system get passed to baby...illegal, and even legal OTC medications. Please do your research and for the love of God, make the right decision for your child.

aen912 · August 2013

I'm new here and haven't posted yet but came across this and thought I should respond. I agree with nannabee. I am a social worker for a cps agency. We often get referrals from doctor's due to a mother testing positive for marijuana (or any other drug). In my state (not sure how others work) we can't keep a case open (if it's an unborn child) if you decline services. However, we would be writing letters to hospitals to notify us when you give birth. At that time you could end up with a cps case whether you like it or not.

staciandaaron · August 2013

As a nurse my advice is to refrain especially in the first 13 weeks this is when it would cause the MOST brain damage but it could be detrimental to the pregnancy in any stage

VABride2008 · August 2013

Sounds like a brilliant plan. =D>

JesseKhloe&Me · August 2013

A friend from high school who smoked weed "randomly" during pregnancy has to take her 10 yr old DD to a specialist because she has terrible pain every time her muscles are growing and she also has asthma. The specialist's first queation was did she smoke marijuana during pregnancy. So much pain.. so sad.

MamaFantastic · August 2013

i have to agree with whoever above said "is this a joke?"

venusmedina33 · August 2013

Obviously I'm not asking for my self? For you people asking if its a joke, it was just a question. Don't get all ape shit on me. Read the question right and than get all judgmental on me.

For you other ladies, I appreciate your income on this topic It was very helpful and hopefully this would help my friend see things in a different perspective

MamaFantastic · August 2013

Venusmedina said:

Obviously I'm not asking for my self? For you people asking if its a joke, it was just a question. Don't get all ape shit on me. Read the question right and than get all judgmental on me.

For you other ladies, I appreciate your income on this topic It was very helpful and hopefully this would help my friend see things in a different perspective

i did "read the question right", and there was nothing obvious to indicate you were asking for a friend and not yourself.

i'm glad to hear the other income you received was helpful, though. 8-}

torneen · August 2013

I just don't understand why you would need to ask the question. It's like asking "is it safe to ride a motorcycle down the freeway, going 120 mph, during rush hour, with no safety gear, while pregnant?"

NO - bad idea. DUH.

WashingtonQueen · August 2013

I think you would have to be a selfish twatwaffle to smoke pot while pregnant. That's putting it nicely.

JerseyBella · August 2013

I can't believe this is actually a thread. [-(

KariB509 · August 2013

I'm thinking it's probably not a good idea to smoke anything while you're pregnant. I'm not a doctor though.

Meery82 · August 2013

WTF kind of answers did you expect to get when asking a question like this?? I question your judgment for even asking...
:-/

kaylamarie16 · August 2013

Obviously, NO. Why risk it? Ugh. My reaction to this is the same as all the other ladies. My goodness. #-o

[Deleted User] · August 2013

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HobokensFury · August 2013

MUD

2010weddinggal · August 2013

SarahLane24 · August 2013

My brother and his GF smoked while she was preganant. From the time she checked in at the hospital the DCF (dept of children & families) was there. Her doctor reported her. They had to go through ALL kinds of interviews and had to set up a ton of follow up visits before they were allowed to take their own child home. She's now 9 months old and had a very low birth weight, and is definitely behind on her cognitive milestones.

I really do hope you were asking for a friend (I like to assume the best in people.) I thought Id share my brothers story in the hopes that it would help reinforce the fact that NO it's not ok (no matter where you live and/or if its legal there.)

cherylnicole · August 2013

cantsitwithus · August 2013

Venusmedina said:

Obviously I'm not asking for my self? For you people asking if its a joke, it was just a question. Don't get all ape shit on me. Read the question right and than get all judgmental on me.

For you other ladies, I appreciate your income on this topic It was very helpful and hopefully this would help my friend see things in a different perspective

Asking if this was a joke was not going ape shit on you. I wondered if it was a joke because the answer is so obviously common sense that it makes me think you are just trying to stir up trouble.

ETA: If you are actually "just asking for a friend" then why can't you just Google it?

my1stbabyat23 · August 2013

Why put your baby at any risk ? I don't want to be mean but can you just stay away from every single drug or substance for at least 12 months including the 9 months and the time of breast feed! Your baby will thank you later!

*****And if it is for a "friend" then tell her the same exact thing!

Hrose7091 · August 2013

Yeah, whether or not its safe, it's still illegal and not something I would do while pregnant. Do you really want CPS called on you? I don't. My friend was pregnant with twins and smoked her entire pregnancy. Not only were they very premature but have been sick their entire lives. They both tested positive when born and she had CPS visits and wasn't allowed to take the babies home for sometime. Not worth it!

PrimRoseMama · August 2013

Why is this even a question? If it fries your brain as an adult, what do you think it does to a developing fetus? Really?

oh and...

[Deleted User] · August 2013

The user and all related content has been deleted.

Eilis123 · August 2013

No. You can't.

My husband is a medical marijuana user (Connecticut) and we are pretty liberal about pot, but he goes outside in the yard. Don't even want third hand smoke inside with a child and a pregnant wife.

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