Cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing concern in today’s society. Although the legalization of cannabis in many countries has reduced the stigma surrounding its use, scientific information regarding potential risks to fetal development remains limited. Despite this, a large number of pregnant women continue to use cannabis, often without being aware of the potential dangers to themselves and their unborn babies. Consequently, it is essential to study the potentially harmful effects of cannabis on pregnancy and fetal development.
Let's examine this issue together to clarify any uncertainties, drawing on empirical and scientific data.
What do we know about cannabis and pregnancy?
Cannabis use is steadily increasing worldwide, making this psychoactive substance one of the most popular. According to forecasts, the market is expected to grow to 42,001.19 million U.S. dollars by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.79% during that period. As a result, cannabis has sparked interest among many people in Europe, including France.
But what exactly is it?
Cannabis, a multifaceted plant, has become an unavoidable topic of discussion in today’s society. Also known as marijuana or weed, this plant is the source of a multitude of derivative products with various uses. In fact, it is the most commonly used drug during pregnancy. Composed of more than 500 chemical compounds, marijuana contains, among other things, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance can disrupt brain function and impair clear thinking.
Is marijuana use during pregnancy harmful?
The answer is yes. People often think there are no risks associated with using cannabis or cannabinoids during sensitive periods of life. In fact, some studies show that nearly one in four pregnant teenage girls admits to using cannabis.
Many of the women were likely unaware of their pregnancies and stopped using cannabis once they realized they were pregnant. Others claim to use cannabis to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety. However, research has not yet confirmed these claims. Furthermore, the potentially harmful effects are often downplayed by marketing and pro-cannabis messaging from dispensaries, advocacy groups, and others.
However, this belief is often based on limited or even nonexistent information. That is why it is crucial to highlight the dangers associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Similarly, it can lead to complications for the child, both before and after birth.
What are the health effects of cannabis during pregnancy?
When a pregnant woman uses cannabis, her unborn child is also exposed to it. In fact, it has not been shown that any amount of cannabis can be safely consumed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
In 2018,the American Academy of Pediatrics issued its first official recommendations, advising pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid using cannabis. The reason is that it poses a risk to them and their children.
Whether smoked, ingested in food, or vaporized, cannabis is more potent than ever, making its use during pregnancy particularly risky for the baby’s health and development. Cannabis contains nearly 500 chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound. These chemicals could cross the placenta and be passed on to the baby during pregnancy.
Cannabis and Its Impact on Brain Development
As mentioned earlier, when a pregnant woman uses cannabis, it can easily cross the placenta and reach the fetus’s brain. This could disrupt brain development.
A recent study conducted by Mohammed Faraj, a medical student, revealed that cannabis use during pregnancy may affect brain development in a way that remains detectable even ten years later. The researchers drew on data from the National Institutes of Health Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. This is the largest longitudinal study on brain development and the health of children and adolescents in the United States. The study followed more than 10,000 children and their families, aged 9 to 10, over a 10-year period.
Through this analysis, they were able to establish a link between prenatal exposure to cannabis and changes in functional brain networks in 9- and 10-year-old children. In particular, it appears that prenatal exposure to cannabis disrupts communication between the brain networks responsible for attention control. This could explain why children exposed to cannabis in utero are likely to develop attention problems, behavioral disorders, or mental health issues as they grow up.
Cannabis and the Risk of Premature Birth
For those who aren't aware, cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth—that is, a birth before 37 weeks of gestation. This is because THC, the active compound in cannabis, may affect fetal development and also influence the duration of pregnancy.
Researchers found that the rate of preterm birth was significantly higher among women who reported using cannabis during pregnancy. In fact, 12% of women who used cannabis gave birth prematurely, compared with only 6% of women who did not use it.
In fact, premature birth can lead to various health problems for the newborn, including breathing difficulties, a weakened immune system, digestive problems, and an increased risk of long-term developmental disorders.
Other Possible Adverse Effects of Cannabis During Pregnancy
Research suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy may have adverse effects on the baby's health, leading to various problems such as:
- Low birth weight
- Greater susceptibility to infections
- A decrease in oxygen levels or hypoxia
- And an increased risk of stillbirth
It is therefore crucial for pregnant women to avoid using cannabis during pregnancy in order to minimize these risks to their babies.
Questions that many women ask
Should I be worried about having smoked a joint before I realized I was pregnant?
The potential risks to your unborn baby increase with higher cannabis use. If you used cannabis before you found out you were pregnant, the risks are likely minimal. However, it’s essential to stop using it as soon as you realize you’re pregnant to ensure the health of your unborn baby. Think about your child’s health and well-being, and adopt a cannabis-free lifestyle for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Is it essential to discuss my cannabis use with my healthcare provider?
The answer is yes! If you’re pregnant, discussing your cannabis use can help your healthcare provider closely monitor your baby’s development and detect any potential problems. So don’t hesitate to be honest during the conversation, as this can help you find solutions tailored to your situation and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Can I use CBD to relieve unpleasant pregnancy symptoms?
Since CBD is a completely legal, non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, its use during pregnancy is not recommended. This also applies while breastfeeding. However, that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate it from your life entirely. On the contrary, once your babies are weaned, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD.
What can we conclude about cannabis and pregnancy?
As you can see, cannabis has a significant impact on pregnancy. It is therefore crucial for pregnant women to understand that cannabis use can have harmful effects on their baby’s health. Although many downplay these risks, the scientific evidence is clear.
Therefore, raising awareness among pregnant women about potential risks is essential to ensuring optimal fetal development. By choosing a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful substances such as cannabis, you can take a responsible approach to your pregnancy to ensure your child’s health and safety.
