Smoking weed during pregnancy??

I've heard so many stories from both sides of the camp. It's been everything from "it's not harmful at all" to "your child will have long term learning disabilities".

I am wondering if anyone here has any insight, maybe personal stories? I'm wanting to know, because I'm pregnant and don't want to do anything to hurt my baby, but would like to smoke some if it's not harmful

 

I think it's the act of smoking that is harmful. Ingestion wouldn't be. BUT, be wary of the pee test in your dr.s office. They could very well test you. I'd abstain, personally. Put your babies needs ahead of your own.

 

SugrMag probably has the right idea... If you do feel like you want/need(I know it helped my sister out tremendously with morning sickness) to consume some m.j. while you are baking a baby, you should find a way to do it other than smoking. Kill two birds with one stone... "Feel better" and eat a brownie at the same time. *haha*

I know a few people who have smoked while they were pregnant, with no ill effects on the baby... In fact all the babies are very smart and vibrant. Of course I wouldn't say that this is due to the marijuana, but I think it goes to show that it isn't detrimental. But I do have to say that they didn't smoke recreationally... It wasn't something they did every day. I think the old addage about moderation should definitely be applied here. If marijuana is a spiritual or enlightening thing for you, I don't think you should give it up. If it's about getting high and escaping, then I think it would be easier to get carried away and do something harmful.
SugrMag said put your baby's needs first, and I would have to agree. What ever choice you make, let it be a well thought and responsible choice, putting the health of your baby first.
As for testing at the doctor's office... Nah... They wouldn't do it, and if they did without your consent, it couldn't hold up in court anyway.
Congratulations on your new baby... Is it your first? I have number two on the way, due in September. How far along are you?

 

But "they" would and have, I've known several women who had this happen when the hospital deemed that they had reason to be "suspicious". This is one of the many many many reasons to try for a homebirth if it's possible, because such things are much more rare from what I hear and know in homebirth scenarios.

During a difficult labor, Docs can talk mamas into "confessing" such things, under the guise of concern for the baby. I'm in a rush right now and don't have time to cite sources here, but I've heard testimony from more than one mama on these forums that just this happened to them. So, what ever you do, be very careful.

 

I really don't know if it is harmful when you are pregnant. I have heard that it does cross into the placenta. So, the day I found out I was pregnant, I stopped smoking completely (usually I'm a daily smoker). I just couldn't get past the thought of getting a little baby stoned, even if it does not have harmful affects. That was just my personal preference, I do know women that do smoke during pregnancy with no problems, I just wasn't willing to take any chances while the baby was developing!

Good luck, the time will pass quickly! It did for me!

 

BTW, I also know a girl that was arrested when they found out she smoked pot during pregnancy! It is considered abuse and she eventually lost her baby.

 

Dakota's Mom is a good advisor on this subject. She counsels women that this HAS happened to. If you are on Medicaid the doctors can and will test you. I was.

 

Don't smoke anything when pregnant or breastfeedng. It hasn't been proven to be harmful, but why risk it? Its time to be an adult and put the needs of your child ahead of your wants.

 

I worked in Drug Rehab for over eight years. I finally quit. I couldn't take the pressure of seeing what this country does to families because of a harmless plant. Marijuana does not harm your baby. Smoking anything can have harmful effects on your baby and on your health which someone else has already stated. The marijuana plant is probably the biggest miracle that has ever existed. It is great for morning sickness and it's good to help you relax during labor. However, doctors can and do drug test mothers. They do not need your permission. They are mandated reporters of child abuse and anything they say can and will be used in court against you whether you gave permission for the test or not. I have seen mothers come into the program I worked for over and over again because they had one joint for morning sickness. If you are poor, black or on welfare you almost certainly will be drug tested when you deliver. If you deliver at an inner city hospital and are not married you probably will be tested. If you don't have insurance you could be tested. This is America folks, your civil rights mean nothing. I saw this so many times it's not funny. You and your baby are at risk if you smoke or eat brownies or have an herb milk shake. If you are planning a home birth with a midwife you may be okay. But is it worth the risk. If something happens and you have to go to the hospital, there goes your baby. And the test will continue to show up long after you smoked. 30 to 45 days depending on how much body fat you have. A 100 pound mom will not test positive nearly as long as a 250 pound mom will. But again, why risk it. If the morning sickness is really bad and nothing else helps than by all means toke up. But do not go to the doctor for any reason for at least 30 days after and longer if you are a large momma. The government has way too much influence in our lives.

I have studied drugs extensively because of my job and I can tell you that the only problem that I have found with marijuana is that it has been known to cause some mutation in sperm. But even this problem is short term. Stop smoking and the mutation goes away.

Congrats on your pregnancy. We need more hippie babies around here.

Kathi

 

I smoked a bit for morning sickness and again in the end of my pregnancy because I couldn't get comfortable to sleep in those last weeks.

My daughter had a pee-test done while we were in the hospital. I was unmarried, in a metropolitan hospital, on medicaid, and had confessed to smoking a bit in the beginning of my pregnancy only because they asked that particular question during the middle of a contraction.

My first 72 hours with my baby were tinged negatively by this experience. What should have been a beautiful time was warped by this country's need to harass innocent people for making themselves and their babies comfortable.

I would say, don't smoke it. If you do smoke it, don't in the last 10 weeks of your pregnancy and don't tell your health care provider.

And with all that said, thank you Kathi for your level head, advice, and support in those first days when I was freaking out about possibly losing the most precious thing in my life. *hugs*

 

I have my own health insurance and won't be going to an inner-city hospital, so I guess that goes in my favour. I'm a pretty recreational smoker, but I can't take my muscle relaxers (for muscle spasms) so I feel fucked I don't want to do anything that's detrimental. It's weird, something prescribed seems to have more dangerous effects than "drugs" on a developing baby. Of course, all the doctors tell you to do is "take extra strength tylenol" and call it a day, but what do you do if that doesn't work?? Maybe it sounds selfish for me to be concerned about smoking at this stage in my life, but damn, I'm on my feet 40+ hours a week as a retail manager with crap for pain relief. (And no, no one cares if you feel like hell for being pregnant, let alone for musclular pain. It's a cutthroat business...)

Oh, and let's be honest. I do like getting high, too, but I'm not looking for lectures, just facts or personal accounts to help me make an informed decision as I obviously can't ask my doctor lol.

....and I'm due in September as well

 

I'd like to add that if you admit to smoking, snorting, or drinking prior to pregnancy, your baby may be tested even if you say you stopped the minute you peed on the stick. Your baby may be tested if your baby is small, or your placenta is small.
Yup, so true. The biggest risk in smoking while pregnant is having your baby removed from your custody. I don't think smoking MJ is harmful to the baby, I haven't seen any evidence that supports the claim that it is. The one thing I do notice is the placenta looks different in moms who smoke MJ. It's flatter and thinner than non-smokers (MJ smokers only, cigarette smokers is a whole 'nother issue!) but seems to do the job and grow average sized, healthy babies.

I'm a home birth midwife, and asking if a mom uses drugs is one of the prenatal history questions, supposedly so we can find them help if they are abusing. This is also something I DO NOT share with a consulting OB, unless she is abusing or chemically dependent and is in danger. I do tell my ladies that I don't think smoking will harm them or their baby, and may even help if they are suffering from morning sickness, but if for any reason they transport to hospital or OB care, they may be tested, and the baby may be placed in state custody.

one hospital here routinely tests every single baby born there. It is a university teaching hospital, that gets a lot of uninsured, under-employed, state insured, immigrants and indigents. Lots of poor folks. All get tested simply because they are poor. (because we all know all poor folks are drug addicts. ) Any care provider can test you randomly without your consent, as long as he thnks he has reason to believe you may be using. Once you sign papers allowing your doctor to treat you, he can order any type of test he wants on you, and take it during your routine 28 week GTT and CBC without you being any wiser.

Scary place we live in.....

 

How can marijuana affect the unborn baby: Studies of marijuana in pregnancy are inconclusive because many women who smoke marijuana also use tobacco and alcohol. Smoking marijuana increases the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the blood, which reduces the oxygen supply to the baby. Smoking marijuana during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage, low birth-weight, premature births, developmental delays, and behavioral and learning problems

 

Eeek! I had no idea that "they" took testing so far... I figured it had to be one of those "reasonable suspicion" cases. It definitely makes sense now that I think about it... Ain't America grand? I was a big smoker before my first baby, but after going through some legal trouble before decided that I wouldn't smoke while pregnant, and didn't smoke while I was breastfeeding... I'm glad I didn't, if the system is so tyrranical to the poor and single.

This time around I'm not planning on smoking, but should the occasion arise I don't think I'd avoid it either... BUT I am planning on a homebirth, and staying out of the medical establishment.
The girls on here have definitely shared some good advice... It's something I've been wondering about as well. After reading this, I think I am gonna go the route of "better safe than sorry"... Nine months really isn't that long, and I've done it before... I've already got two down. I don't smoke all that much anyway... It's hard to come by out here in the sticks.
That's awesome... Another September baby. I bake mine long though, runs in the family... I'm betting my baby comes early October. *haha* I know how you feel though, joints getting all loose and achy... Tylenol doesn't cut it, and it isn't exactly healthy either. That sucks that you have such a tough job, being pregnant and having muscle spasms on top of that. You'll find me preaching the miracles of herbal stuff all over these boards, but there are all kinds of things out there that might be able to help with your muscle spasms and any other general malaise you might have. I mean, look at the power of M.J.! Of course there's no spiritual wonder involved, but if you think smoking might be too dangerous, it'd be worth giving some of the other stuff a try.
Things to try(Do some reading... They say to avoid some of these, but I've used them with no ill effects, make up your own mind) Valerian for anxiety and muscle spasms, Lemon Balm is a mild sedative, Chamomile is calming(make it strong), Skull Cap is also a mild sedative and good for relaxation, Catnip is calming. For the stuff they say to avoid, I take it real easy on and only use when I absolutely need it.
Quite a few months ago, during a dry spell when I was really jonesing for some M.J. I made my own smoke mix with passionflower and catnip with mild success, but I found making tea worked better to get me all relaxed and feeling well. Passionflower, I believe, might be too strong for pregnancy but I wanted to let you know that there are things out there that would work in the absence of Herb. Hope it helps. Damn government.

 

I'm glad I was around to help. And really happy that it never came down to a worse case scenario.

For those of you that it does come down to it. Keep a partially full bottle of advil or aleve or extra strength tylenol in your purse. If you do come up with a positive test, plead innocent. "But doctor, this is the only thing I've taken. I know that other stuff is bad for me and my baby. I took this because my back hurt so much. I didn't think it would hurt." And confess to taking slightly more that the recommended daily amount. It may make them back off. Because those things will make you test positive as well as marijuana. But be aware that they will be testing your levels after that. The level of drug in your system should go down pretty fast. This shows that you are no longer using.

Happy babies.

Kathi

 

Peppermint or ginger tea is also very good for morning sickness. Just don't use peppermint if you're trying to sleep.

Kathi

 

Did these studies only test the SMOKING of mj, or other means of ingestion? Because, eating a brownie wouldn't increase levels of CO or CO2...

 

Smoking anything will increase the levels of CO2. Smoking is dangerous. Smoking does decrease the amount of oxygen the baby gets. It is passed through the placenta. But it's the act of smoking. Smoking can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, difficulty in getting pregnant and the other things mentioned. Marijuana is not physically, emotionally, or psychologically dangerous. It is only dangerous because of the US government.

Kathi

 

I have a hard time believing this study because for one when I smoke mj I breathe a lot better. I read a study somewhere and I don't have the time to find it yet that proves smoking mj during pregnancy is better, especially if the mama has eatting disorders. Mamas tend to eat a lot better and are a lot less stressed out. I just would not smoke it due to the rediculous views our country has on it. I'd rather not have my baby taken away from me. Just remember when you are reading thesse studies think about WHO put the studies out.

 

Try and put your own needs last when you get pregnant

Motherhood is about being selfless...it changes everything.

I knew a girl who smoked weed throughout her pregnancy....her baby was born stoned....and went onto have learning difficulties...he was slow and heavy looking,,,it showed in his eyes...

she never forgave herself.....

How can women even consider doing this to their unborn child...

I gave up smoking, booze and unhealthy eating...

Having felt honoured to be pregnant, why would i want to be selfish enough to risk harming my precious unborn child....

If we choose to make a baby I feel we should choose to respect it too...

I dont believe that stuff about it not being harmful....weed made me sick, depressed and very ill...so why wouldnt it harm my baby....

How could I take that risk?

We dont really know for sure.