As the use, possession, and sale of medical marijuana increase due to the legalization of marijuana substances in numerous states and countries, so does the issue of using marijuana during pregnancy. Although medical marijuana has been recommended as a medicine for various ailments and symptoms, including chronic pains, nausea, etc., many women are in doubt if they can use the substance while pregnant.
This article will address the possible harms, advantages, and available literature concerning the application of medical marijuana for pregnant women.
Understanding the Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana relates to the use of the cannabis plant or chemical ingredients, including THC and CBD, for medical purposes. THC is the ingredient that gives the euphoric ‘stoned’ feel, and CBD is the other compound that can be used for treating pain, anxiety, and reducing inflammation.
During pregnancy, some women may wish to use marijuana for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting (commonly known as morning sickness), or anxiety. Pregnancy is a complicated phase, and some of the problems that arise during this period are often accompanied by pain and discomfort. As the advantages of cannabis are considered, the substance can be very appealing to the ladies. However, the suitability of medical marijuana while pregnant is still an area of debate among clinical and academic practitioners.
Marijuana Use in Pregnancy: The Current Trends
As the use of marijuana becomes legal and more accepted in many societies, pregnant women are also using marijuana. The study conducted in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that the frequency of marijuana use during pregnancy has tripled from 2009 to 2016. This is expected due to social acceptance alongside some personal testimonies showing that cannabis can help with some pregnancy symptoms, especially nausea.
But due to the uncertainty of the possible danger to the fetus, a number of doctors are still reluctant to recommend the use of marijuana during pregnancy.
Potential Risks of Using Medical Marijuana During Pregnancy
One issue that has been a subject of debate is whether the use of marijuana during pregnancy is not healthy for the baby. The main problem is associated with THC, the active constituent of marijuana that produces euphoric effects in users, as it is known to easily pass through the placenta and enter the fetus’ circulation.
Impact on fetal brain development
One of these is the impact of marijuana on the developing brains of children and youth. Teens who use marijuana are advised to avoid pregnancy, as research done on animals has indicated that THC may cause abnormal development of the areas of the brain used for learning, memory, and focusing in cases of pregnancy. There is not much research on animals, but studies in humans show that using marijuana while pregnant may lead to cognitive and behavioral problems in childhood and later stages of development.
For example, it has been suggested that prenatal marijuana exposure may lead to some attention deficits, problems with problem-solving skills, and behavioral dysregulation in children as they age. While these effects may not make an appearance in infancy, they are likely to arise as the child gets older, especially when in school.
Low birth weight and premature birth
The other danger of using marijuana during pregnancy is that it results in low birth weight and preterm births. Babies who are born preterm or of low birth weight are prone to several health challenges, such as respiratory infections, developmental delays, and chronic diseases. Reports show that pregnant women using marijuana could have babies who weigh less at birth than babies born to women who do not use the substance.
A final possibility is preterm delivery, or giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy has reached its full term. Newborns who are born early term have deficiencies in lung maturity, feeding, and thermoregulation.
Developmental delays and behavioral issues
There are also findings that point to the fact that children who are exposed to marijuana before birth may experience developmental problems and behavioral problems in childhood. Research done and published in this year’s edition of the Pediatric Research journal showed that children who were exposed to marijuana in their wombs were more hyperactive, impulsive, and had poor attention than their peers who were not exposed to marijuana.
However, it has to be recognized that these studies are frequently cross-sectional, which means that other factors influencing the existing outcomes may include the use of tobacco or alcohol and socioeconomic status.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana During Pregnancy
Despite these risks associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, there are those who are of the opinion that there are benefits that cannot be overlooked. Some of the women who can benefit are those experiencing severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy with hyperemesis gravidarum, where other treatments may not work.
Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting
Vomiting or nausea is common among women during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy in the first three months. Some women may wake up with a bit of feeling nauseatic, while others may suffer from severe pregnancies that cause vomiting; hence, they cannot take foods or drinks. In severe cases, it can cause dehydration and weight loss, consequences that affect both the mother and the baby.
If a woman has suffered hyperemesis gravidarum, then the regular antiemetic drugs may not work for her. Under these circumstances, some women resort to medical marijuana as they consider it safe and efficient in combating nausea and increasing appetite. However, no extensive study has been done in this field, and therefore, doctors are reluctant to prescribe marijuana for combating nausea during pregnancy.
Reducing Anxiety and Stress
While pregnancy is a joyful period in a woman’s life, the situation is not always joyful for the expectant mother or her baby: anxiety during pregnancy and stress during pregnancy are serious issues that require attention. Stress and anxiety, which pregnant women experience, can lead to various complications for both the mother and the future baby. CBD is used to lessen anxiety and for calmness because it is the non-psychoactive part of marijuana.
Other pregnant women rely on the CBD products when pregnant because they relieve anxiety without the psychoactive effect of THC. However, its safety when taken during pregnancy has not been confirmed, and the market for CBD is rather unregulated, which means that they might be spiked with other unknown and possibly dangerous substances.
Related Article: Does Medical Marijuana Work for Anxiety and Depression?
Alternatives to Medical Marijuana During Pregnancy
For expectant mothers suffering from nausea, anxiety, or other ailments, there are better drugs to use other than marijuana. Before applying any treatment, especially during pregnancy, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a doctor. Some alternatives include:
- Ginger supplements for nausea
- The acupressure bands that could help reduce morning sickness
- Reflex suppressant prescription anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron (Zofran) or promethazine (Phenergan)
- When patients have anxiety, some clinicians prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness.
- Stress-reducing effects of prenatal yoga and meditation
Conclusion
Controversy still surrounds its use during pregnancy and lactation, despite the increased use of medical marijuana by women of childbearing age. Although some women use it for treating symptoms like nausea and anxiety, these potential risks to the unborn child cannot be overstated. The present literature shows that pregnant women who take marijuana could experience low birth weight, premature delivery, and learning difficulties in children. Therefore, many organizations recommend that pregnant women do not use marijuana.
When using any form of cannabis or CBD, women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant must first speak to their doctor. It is wiser therefore to consider the pros as well as cons of each practice, taking into account the danger involved to the life of the mother and that of the baby to be born. However, until further research provides additional evidence regarding the safety of prenatal marijuana use, certain precautions are advisable.