Many individuals who are pregnant believe that smoking marijuana is not a big deal. This belief may come from the idea that marijuana is a harmless substance. Additionally, individuals who use medical marijuana might think that it is okay to continue using smokeless THC products throughout their pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Unfortunately, consuming or smoking THC of any kind can cause an array of complications for the baby. Whether you were hoping to use marijuana to treat morning sickness or relieve stress while you are breastfeeding your baby, doing so could result in unnecessary harm to your child.

It is important for expecting and new moms to understand the risks and dangers of smoking weed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Is it Safe to Smoke Weed While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical compound in weed that is mostly responsible for its psychoactive effects.

If you have researched the effects of THC, you might be aware of the risks it poses for children and young adults. According to the National Library of Medicine, “exposure to THC or similar molecules during a specific window of adolescence delays maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region involved in complex behaviors and decision making.”[1]

If marijuana can have a significant impact on the prefrontal cortex when a child, teenager, or young adult smokes weed, smoking weed while pregnant can impact the fetus.

Effects of THC on the Baby

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby’s health. The chemicals in marijuana (in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) pass through your system to your baby and may harm your baby’s development.”[2]

The CDC also reports, “Between 2016 and 2017 in the United States, 7% of pregnant persons reported using marijuana in the past month.”[2] This shows the need for awareness of the effects of smoking weed while pregnant and breastfeeding.

When you use marijuana while you are pregnant, you are not the only one being impacted by the THC. Some of the main effects of prenatal marijuana use on the baby include:

Lower birth weight than the average infant
Abnormal neurological development
Hyperactivity
Poor cognitive functioning
Premature birth

Additionally, the U.S. Surgeon General advises that “marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development because THC can enter the fetal brain from the mother’s bloodstream.” The Surgeon General also advised that “marijuana may increase the risk of a newborn with low birth weight. Research also suggests increased risk for premature birth and potentially stillbirth”[3]

Why the “Pumping and Dumping” Method Does Not Work

When you are breastfeeding your baby, any substance you consume could be passed to them via your breastmilk. This means that substances like drugs, alcohol, and caffeine could be transferred from you to your baby. Because of this, the “pump and dump” method was created.

The pump and dump method is used by moms who breastfeed but are worried about transferring dangerous substances to their babies. They pump their breast milk and dump it after drinking a glass of wine or having a coffee.

With substances like alcohol or caffeine that are metabolized quickly, this method may work. However, THC stays in the body for a longer amount of time than alcohol. Additionally, there is no way to tell how long THC will stay in your body because everyone metabolizes it at a different rate.

According to a study, THC was detectable in 34 of the 54 samples of breast milk for up to 6 days after the mother’s use.[4] This means that the pump and dump method would most likely not work for anyone who smokes weed and breastfeeds their baby.

What if You Smoke Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, from glaucoma to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you use medical marijuana, you may be wondering what to do when you become pregnant. The first thing you should do is consult with your doctor.

Oftentimes, there are alternatives to medical marijuana that are also safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. For psychiatric conditions, sometimes pregnant and breastfeeding mothers opt to attend therapy more frequently and engage in natural stress-relieving activities like exercise or yoga.

It is extremely important to remember that like many other medications, marijuana is not safe for unborn or infant babies. To prevent your baby from experiencing risks such as cognitive dysfunction, behavioral issues, and dangerously low birth weights, speak with your doctor about an alternative solution to your medical marijuana.

Finding Help for Marijuana Abuse and Addiction

Smoking weed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can cause unnecessary health risks and cognitive impairment to your baby. If you are an expecting or new mother who is struggling to quit using weed, help is available.

Addiction Intervention Services is here to help you find help for marijuana abuse and addiction. Contact us today to get started.

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