How Does Cannabis Affect Pregnancy?
From a Darwinian perspective, only the strongest survive, a critical reminder of our duty to protect our children from conception onward if we are to keep humankind thriving. Consciously or subconsciously, we are driven to have an imprint of ourselves. Luckily, there are more alternatives now more than ever to create the families of which we dream.
Perhaps your pregnancy came as a surprise or conversely was your family’s growth plan. Either way, moms-to-be who use medicinal marijuana (#MMJmoms), must draw a line in the sand when it comes to prenatal care. In one study of dispensaries, nonmedical personnel at marijuana dispensaries were recommending marijuana to pregnant women for nausea, but medical experts warn against it. With a planned pregnancy, the pregnancy and Medical Cannabis simply don’t mix well, despite any well-intentioned budtender’s recommendation. Once, a pregnancy is confirmed, cannabis use should cease.
Research is wide-reaching; all pregnancy successes are dependent on several variables: egg and sperm quality, medical conditions, stressors and even sleep quality. Healthy pregnancy achievement is often taken for granted. Of course, there are alternatives such as IVF, surrogacy, and adoption, but there are few guarantees the birthmother has or will continue marijuana use. Therefore, adoptive parents and those using a surrogate must keep tabs on the health of their baby-to-be as well.
“Given the potential of marijuana to negatively impact the developing brain, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that obstetrician-gynecologists counsel women against using marijuana while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while they are breastfeeding.” (NIDA. 2023, July 28. Can marijuana use during and after pregnancy harm the baby? Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/can-marijuana-use-during-pregnancy-harm-baby on 2023, September 13).
However, expectant mothers can take heart. For several years now, baby formulas have been enhanced with DHA and other key nutrients indicated for your baby’s brain and immunity development. So, MMJ moms may return to their pre-pregnancy cannabis regimen after giving birth and are not breastfeeding.
Your Pregnancy Team
The protection of the fetus is paramount, and expectant MMJ moms must carry, with diligence, a torch of care so the fetus is protected throughout their pregnancies. An expectant mother’s body and mindset both require adaptation, best done with assistance from their pregnancy team: OB/GYN, MMJ physician, any existing mental health professional they have, their birthing partners, their family, and their friends.
Remember, the mental health of any mother is crucial. Any pre-pregnancy anxiety, depression or other condition might become amplified during pregnancy, and the mother will need compassionate affirmation with each mile of pregnancy.
Mental health professionals can train expectant MMJ moms about options for managing the stressors of pregnancy, including relaxation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR), meditation, pregnancy yoga, journaling, and more. These techniques can help them sleep better at night and be better prepared for the next day.
Another resource, creative arts led by art therapists and music therapists provide invaluable tools as well. Weekly meetings with a support group could also be of great help. If you can’t find a meeting, you can start one.
There’s no dodging the issue: Pregnancy can be difficult, but MMJ should not be an option for managing these difficulties.
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