medical marijuana during pregnancy article

[Sara S]

Has anyone read the article that can be found through a link at the www.mothering.com homepage? What are some of your opinions on the topic?

[MrsMoe]

I strongly dislike the comment in the article:

"I explained how my midwife had told me that preeclampsia appears to be a nutritional disorder of pregnancy, and I didn’t know how I could avoid it if I couldn’t eat."

Having pre-e in my prior pregnancy, I can tell you straight out my case had nothing to do with malnutrition. In fact, many cases of pre-e are caused from blood clot, BP, and auto-immune disorders... Nutrition may play a part in some pregnancies, but as a rule it is linked to underlying medical issues.

This comment shows me very limited medical knowledge of the person who wrote the article... and it really takes out the credibility of the article itself.

Now, regarding the smoking of pot during pregnancy debate.

Let me start off now by saying, I smoke pot - but not while pregnant. I am very for the legaliziation of this misunderstood substance. I will even go as far as to state that I feel it is safer to consume than alcohol. But!! I would never expose my fetus to it. THC is distributed to the brain and fat tissue and binds to plasma proteins. Side effects can include a rapid heart rate, respiratory issues, and immune system dysfunction. Not something I would want my unborn baby to be at risk for.

Marijuana studies in pregnant women has reflected issues with hyper-activity disorders, memory issues, developmental problems, lower birth weight, length /head circumference that are smaller than average and other issues. THC can and does cross the placenta.

Bottom line is that smoking pot can increase your chance of having a miscarriage, the baby is born smaller on average, the baby is at risk to a premature birth, your child may likely suffer from developmental/behavioral issues and so on.

Even mothers who smoke on a regular basis and breastfeed - studies show that the infant is more likely to suffer from developmental delays vs those babies not exposed.

When THC could possibly affect brain development, it is a risk I would NOT take. What I consume, my baby does. I would never have my baby smoke a bong, so I shouldn't while I carry him/her.