Using cannabis during pregnancy is not recommended, as it may have harmful effects on your baby’s development and health. Cannabis is a plant that contains many chemicals, including THC, which is the main psychoactive ingredient. THC can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s brain, which may lead to learning, behavioural, mental health and substance abuse problems later in life12. Cannabis use may also increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby or a baby who needs special care in the neonatal unit12.

If you are using cannabis regularly, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. You can talk to your midwife, your GP, or a drug treatment service for advice and support. They will not judge you and can help you access other services that may benefit you and your baby. You can also contact FRANK for friendly, confidential drugs advice on 0300 123 66002. Quitting cannabis can improve the outlook for you and your baby.

If you are also smoking tobacco, it is also important to quit smoking for the health of your baby. Smoking tobacco can cause many problems for your baby, such as low birth weight, premature birth, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)3. You can get support from your midwife, your GP, or a local stop smoking service to help you quit smoking.

If you do not quit cannabis or tobacco, or you are not accessing support, your baby’s safety may be at risk. Your health care team may need to make a safeguarding referral to social services to ensure that your baby’s needs are met.

Using cannabis during pregnancy is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Please consider the risks and benefits of your choices and seek help if you need it. Your baby deserves the best start in life.

Learn more:

1. ruh.nhs.uk

2. nhs.uk

3. samhsa.gov

4. medway.nhs.uk

5. canada.ca

6. cannabisinthe.uk

7. rcpsych.ac.uk

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug among pregnant women in the United States. While some people may believe that cannabis is a safe and natural substance, there is growing evidence that its use during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing fetus.

The chemicals in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can cross the placenta and reach the baby. THC can affect the baby’s brain development, nervous system, and immune system.

Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy are more likely to have lower birth weights, smaller head circumferences, and shorter gestational ages. They are also more likely to have respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays.

Some studies have also linked cannabis use during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis use on children, the evidence so far suggests that it is best to avoid cannabis use during pregnancy.

Here are some of the specific risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy:

• Lower birth weight and smaller head circumference: Babies born to mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy are more likely to have lower birth weights and smaller head circumferences. This is because THC can reduce the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta.
• Premature birth: Cannabis use during pregnancy has also been linked to an increased risk of premature birth. Premature babies are more likely to have health problems, such as respiratory problems and feeding difficulties.
• Developmental delays: Cannabis use during pregnancy can also affect the baby’s brain development. Babies born to mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy are more likely to have developmental delays, such as problems with learning, memory, and attention.
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, and SIDS: Some studies have also linked cannabis use during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and SIDS.

If you are pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of cannabis use. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to quit smoking or vaping cannabis. There are also resources available to help pregnant women quit smoking cannabis.

Here are some tips for quitting cannabis during pregnancy:

• Talk to your doctor about quitting. Your doctor can help you develop a quit plan and can provide you with support.
• Join a support group. There are support groups available for pregnant women who are trying to quit cannabis.
• Avoid triggers. Identify the things that make you want to smoke or vape cannabis, and try to avoid them.
• Find healthy coping mechanisms. Find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.

Quitting cannabis can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are doing it for the health of your baby. With the right support, you can quit cannabis and have a healthy pregnancy.