"Medical" Marijuana during Labor - Page 2

[desertpenguin]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb

Someone just posted this in the news forum-

http://www.truebirth.com/2008/02/29/...hile-pregnant/

that is so sad!!! does anyone know what state that's in?

[danotoyou2]

Originally Posted by desertpenguin

that is so sad!!! does anyone know what state that's in?

It was in Monroe, Louisiana.

[LaffNowCryLater]

Can someone explain why weed can't contribute to low birth weight or prematurity but tobacco does?

Genuine question.

[desertpenguin]

Originally Posted by LaffNowCryLater

Can someone explain why weed can't contribute to low birth weight or prematurity but tobacco does?

Genuine question.

this article seems to explain it pretty well. idk of any studies about whether or not weed causes/contributes to low birth weight or not.

[gentleearthmama]

from Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed:
Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) is used for STALLED LABOR, particularly if tension or emotional stress stalls labor. It can help relax the controlling mind and bring attention to the needs of the body, as well as STRENGTHEN the needed contractions. All forms of the herb are effective, but vary in potency and dosage. Smoking offers the most control over dosage, as effects are fairly immediate and dissipate within an hour or two. Cannabis tincture, 10 drops under the tongue, is also quick acting and dosage can be increased slowly as desired. The greatest risk of overdose is when using cannabis as tea (and I would assume also eating it) as the effects are slow and cumulative and several hours may pass before the full strength of the dose can be gauged. Too large a dose can cause lethargy, hallucinations, and trance-like states.
For pain she suggests motherwort, skullcap, and st. joans wort. See book for further information.
So I am guessing that mj doesn't help too much with labor pain, since it is oxytocic and used for stalled labor to strengthen contractions.
So OP, if you decide to try it out for pain management, I'd be interested in hearing what kind of results you get.

[AugustineM]

I agree with whoever said having a glass of wine as you go into labor can help relax.

Interesting about smoking a bit of pot. I don't know... it might work. I might get too tired, though. It tends to make me want to go to sleep or just zone out. (Not bad things!)

[not now]

Originally Posted by akilamonique

I think a drug test and an Aids test is done automatically when you go in the hospital.

HIV test has to have a signed informed consent. Even if I (an RN) accidentally sticks myself with a used needle I have to ask the patient if the lab can run an HIV screen and have them sign the consent. This has actually happened to me once and it's an odd topic to bring up.

An MD also has to ask for consent for an HIV screen even in the event a surgeon accidentally pokes him/herself.


A tox screen can be run if an MD suspects use.

[riverundine]

definitely state by state.
an mdc mama had her infant taken temporarily in tx just a couple of years ago. luckily he went to the grandparents but it was quite the ordeal.
luckily the left coast doesn't put families through that unnecessary drama.

[mrspineau]

I am kind of surprised at the positive response to this thread... not to say that I have a negative one. I personally don't think that its a great idea to smoke anything while you are pregnant, but I know plenty of people who have and everything has turned out fine. I would be concerned about drug testing as well.

[~NewMa~]

I used to smoke quite alot before my pregnancy as well but never seriously considered it during my birth just because I'd be concerned how it would effect me since I haven't done it in so long.
My midwife did say that she would be ok with me taking a puff or 2 during labor if I wanted to because it strengthens contractions.
I don't think I'll really be into it unless my nausea and vomiting gets outta hand.
Personally I'm not so scared of being tested in the event of a hospital transfer as I am of being too paranoid in that instance.
The hospital doesn't usually do standard drug screening, only if there's reason to believe there's been drug use.
Would love to know what you finally decide and how everything goes

[Twwly]

I have a friend who used a *little* MJ during labour (HB) to deal with the pain. Her MW rec'd a little wine and a little greenery and it was all fine for her. I don't think it had ANY effect once transition came along, but it did ease her early labour pains.

And wasn't like she was smoking cones or anything. If I smoked (which I don't, I don't drink either) I would consider wine & a joint to ease early labour and wouldn't personally be worried about hospital repercussions.

[iris427]

In case you do need surgery, you should be honest about your marijuana use. It can affect which type of anesthesia they give you and the dosage. Not something you want to mess around with--anesthesia errors can be deadly.

[thixle]

Originally Posted by iris427

In case you do need surgery, you should be honest about your marijuana use. It can affect which type of anesthesia they give you and the dosage. Not something you want to mess around with--anesthesia errors can be deadly.

Can you explain this in more detail? I've never heard mj could affect anesthesia.

[iris427]

Originally Posted by thixle

Can you explain this in more detail? I've never heard mj could affect anesthesia.

Any drug you take can interact with other drugs--either strengthening or negating their effect. That is why doctors ask you if you take any medications or drugs. If you lie about it, and you are being given something as serious as anesthesia for surgery, it could potentially cause problems. It's not a risk I, personally, would be willing to take.

Anesthesia errors can happen easily enough without throwing into the mix other drugs that you don't tell your doctor about. People die from anesthesia mistakes.

I'm not against marijuana at all, it's just something I thought the OP should consider.

[anjasma]

luckily the left coast doesn't put families through that unnecessary drama.

Wish that were true...I have a personal friend here in WA who had dd temporarily taken away from her when MJ was found in babe's system just after birth (homebirth, but they went to the hospital because dd was having slight congestion in lungs, then they did a screen. I totally think it had something to do with them being Rasta...)

Also, even though they have medical license, they are in danger of losing the older children to bio-mom. Sad, sad stuff...I also wouldn't risk it for the consequences.

[ltk]

Wow everyone, thanks for all of your responses. I think for me it's more about what it will "do" for the labor, than the actual risk of getting caught. I would definitely disclose it if we happened to need a c-section (perish the thought).

I think you have to put yourself in the context of 1) knowing HOW you tend to labor 2) where you live and 3) where you plan to give birth.

I think it might be good for early labor, along with some wine...but not sure it would even impact my body if I were near transition.

Still, I would love to keep this thread going! So many good thoughts out there on the subject.

[donnamr3211]

I would think if someone wanted to use drugs during labor why not just have a hospital birth and do it legally? To me natural birth is just that, natural. I do not want any intervention at all, be it "natural" or non natural. I don't even want to be checked. The only time I want anything given or done to me is when it is medically necessary. I know that every women is different and wants different things from their birth experience, I'm just adding my 2 cents into the discussion. Good luck and happy birthing to all.

[Megan_Cherry]

[gentleearthmama]

*

[Mamatolea]

I don't know how hb will go this time, but let me TELL you...if I had had a smoke of mj during my hour of NOT pushing to allow the labor to progess, I would have..no questions asked. That was the worst thing I have ever felt and were it to happen again, I will so definiately try mj to bring the labor around rather than suffer like I did....

I think I would choose to use a vaporizer instead of smoking it though, but if all I had was a joint, I would do it.

I am all for natural birth too, but the pain was horrific and ITA about there being a big difference between being numb from the waist down to being a bit more relaxed.

I would be more concerned with the intensity of the batch you get than anything else.

and let us know what you choose and how it goes!!!