Marijuana is often used during pregnancy, but it can get the child off to a lower-than-average start on development and health
Users and sellers of marijuana may suggest that expectant mothers use it to alleviate side effects of pregnancy, especially morning sickness, and research has found that it is the drug most commonly used during pregnancy. But other research increasingly shows “adverse outcomes for children when cannabinoids are consumed during pregnancy,” says a study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics.
That matters, said Dr. Phoebe Dodge, the study’s first author: “Newborn size serves as a robust indicator of future child health and development.”
“The research revealed that even occasional use, such as for managing first-trimester morning sickness, can lead to reduced fetal growth similar to the effects seen with continued cannabis use throughout pregnancy,” the journal reports.
But Dodge emphasized, “The best course of action is for women to be advised to cease marijuana use prior to conception.” If you’re already become pregnant, “The second-best option is to quit as soon as possible in order to mitigate potential long-term adverse health and developmental consequences.”