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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Marijuana in pregnancy

94 replies

Maggie1234 · 29/12/2010 22:20

I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant.

I've been very healthy during my pregnancy - I don't smoke, don't take drugs, have just the odd glass of wine, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

I'm going to a New Year party on the weekend.

All my friends will be drinking, and some will be smoking dope.

I'd love to have a few puffs on a joint. Considering I'll be sober (and that I'm quite a lightweight when it comes to dope) just a couple of drags would be enough. Plus my friends use 'herbal tobacco' so there's no nicotine.

I've skim read a few academic articles about it, but most studies seem to be based on women who smoked marijuana regularly in their pregnancy - which completely doesn't apply to me.

I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on this?

I'd prefer to hear from people in the medical field or who can direct me towards research rather than receive anecdotal reassurance (eg. "my sister smoked dope all the time and her kid is fine") or vague disapproval (eg. "I would never do anything to harm my baby")

Just genuinely curious about this! Thanks :)

OP posts:
Rosa · 30/12/2010 12:17
Biscuit
SparklyMartini · 30/12/2010 12:31

Apart from anything else, it is difficult to be informed about the origins and level of active ingredients in pot these days. Or so I am told. Whereas with a glass of wine, you look at the bottle and you know what you are getting.

FWIW, I don't smoke it, never liked it and although most of my friends did in our teens without me judging them at that stage, I find that I do tend to think anyone who still feels they socially need it beyond the experimental teen years is a boring twunt

kormachameleon · 30/12/2010 12:38

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BelieveInLife · 30/12/2010 13:13

Why would you do anything that could pose a potential risk to your baby??? Why you'd even think about it is beyond my comprehension.

If you're not mature enough to go 9 months without a drink or a smoke, you're not mature enough to becom a parent. Grow up.

PuraVida · 30/12/2010 13:58

I think someone else made a very good point. What kind of people are these who would sit by and watch you smoke when pregnant. I'd be HORRIFIED if I saw a friend having a smoke who was pregnant

And for what it's worth I was one of the worlds biggest caners. Very into spliffs, very much part of my 'culture' if you will. Socially endemic with my peers. Just what we do, no big deal but pervasive. I haven't had a single drag since since getting pregnant and I just wouldn't. What's more my friends wouldn't even countenance sitting by and watching me smoke. It just wouldn't happen, they would think it pretty disgusting.

Being a parent us about making sacrifices. You'd better start getting used to it.

berrycravings · 30/12/2010 21:48

I think your question is valid and good to have an open debate, although for me the answer was obvious. I find it strange that some people might not think you are real, but perhpas they do not move in circles where smoking is a normal part of everyday life (which I can completly see why they would not) but for me and my DH we have and as have a large proportion of our friends, smoked for years. We do not drink or take other drugs its just how we enjoy a saturday night.

Since getting pregnant I have not had a single puff. I am now 39 weeks and there have been times when I would have loved to have had a joint to chill out and relax my muscles. However as there is the possibility it could have adverse effects on the baby I have not done this. I will also be obstaining while BF as it can pass this way. It is a sacrafice for me, but one that I choose to take, for me my baby is my priority and not my social life. Him being happy and healthy comes top of my list.

I have done alot of reading on the subject and have not found anything which satisfied me enough to have a puff so I would reccomend not partaking, however difficult this is. You'll be able to enjoy these things again in the future but now is the time for your baby. Just to add I'm one of those who would not drink in pregnancy either (although I am teatotal).

Sorry for the long post, but wanted to let you know where the research had taken me. Just keep googling and I think you'll come to the same conclusion to abstain. Best of luck

nicolamumof3 · 30/12/2010 22:20

I wouldn't even want to be in the same room as people smoking cigarettes or canabis. MC frightens the life out of me 24/7 i wouldn't take any risks..i can't believe this is for real.

Cheese, so very very sorry for your loss.

Applemuncher · 30/12/2010 22:26

If you want a 'medical' response, go ask you GP or midwife. Am sure he/she will be more than happy to point you in the right direction - after all, they give advice on 'safe' alcohol limits whilst pregnant.

PassionKiss · 30/12/2010 22:36

Good grief OP! People on here agonise over eating the odd prawn salad!!

My thoughts:

I would think a few drags on a spliff very unlikely to do any harm.

BUT - I think you will feel guilty and regretful afterwards (you obviously care enough to post about it on MN).

I had a glass of bubbly on NYE last year when I was pregnant but didn't enjoy it TBH. It just didn't feel right.

(A different story now I'm breastfeeding though! Blush )

RumourOfAHurricane · 30/12/2010 22:37

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mumblecrumble · 30/12/2010 22:44

I'd b more worried about not being 100% in control whilst high...Does canabis cloud your judgement?

GotArt · 30/12/2010 22:45

Marijuana Myths
Myth: Marijuana Use During Pregnancy Damages the Fetus. Prenatal marijuana exposure causes birth defects in babies, and, as they grow older, developmental problems. The health and well being of the next generation is threatened by marijuana use by pregnant women.

Fact: Studies of newborns, infants, and children show no consistent physical, developmental, or cognitive deficits related to prenatal marijuana exposure. Marijuana had no reliable impact on birth size, length of gestation, neurological development, or the occurrence of physical abnormalities. The administration of hundreds of tests to older children has revealed only minor differences between offspring of marijuana users and nonusers, and some are positive rather than negative. Two unconfirmed case-control studies identified prenatal marijuana exposure as one of many factors statistically associated with childhood cancer. Given other available evidence, it is highly unlikely that marijuana causes cancer in children.

I toked during my first pregnancy and have with this one in the first trimester. I've actually just grown bored of it so have stopped. However, I smoke organic, heirloom marijuana and know the grower personally and he also grows government medicinal as well. Having lived in England and toked there, I can say that I wouldn't touch the stuff you get there while pregnant or not for that matter. There are far too many chemicals/pesticides/herbicides and enhancing agents being added; this is what is causing psychotic episodes in teenagers. Marijuana is illegal for political reasons. In Canada, it is decriminalized, (not completely legal due to pressure from the FDA in the USA) and is given medicinally. My friend was given the choice while pregnant to take the cancer drug that behaves the same as marijuana to increase her appetite, (she was severely ill with both her pregnancies and continued to loose weight as she couldn't eat) or smoke a small amount medicinal marijuana. She chose the marijuana because the links to defects in children were documented by the pharmaceutical drug.

I also would be reluctant to share a joint as it is the season of chest colds and flu and you are likely to catch that from someone.

GotArt · 30/12/2010 22:47

And having a hoot is not going to make one out of control and if you are feeling a little 'odd', eat a peanut butter sandwich, carbs and protein... I would advise real peanut butter, nothing with sugar and all that other shite that is put into it.

whoknowswherethewindblows · 30/12/2010 22:52

I was at a party with a pregnant woman smoking a spliff once and did feel a bit Hmm about it but I don't know on what basis? More the fact that it's smoke rather than drugs I think?

Anyway, found out later that said person is a mumsnetter Shock so GotArt isn't the only one Wink

kayah · 31/12/2010 00:34

GotArt - interesting comment.
Have you got links to any of those studies?

LoopyLoopsOfSparklyFairyLights · 31/12/2010 00:59

With alcohol, they say that it is dangerous to your baby if you feel drunk, so a glass is probably safe.
With weed, are you likely to have any at all without feeling the effects?

I have the same dilemma really (don't smoke weed outside of pregnancy apart from at festivals and parties), but I have come to the conclusion that on NYE I will have some low alcohol cider and if I am so weak willed as to desperately want a smoke, I will allow myself one roll-up, but no weed. It is the nicotine that I miss (gave up for pregnancy).

Having said that, like a couple of other posters, I have experienced tragedy, and that really does change your perspective. Whereas I truly don't think that one toke will kill your baby, I am very reluctant to do anything that could be quite harmful, when the risks aren't really known, after experiencing a stillbirth.

Regardless of those people saying pregnancy is a short enough time for it to be easy to give up these things, it is hard to restrict yourself completely, and I really do believe that you need a balance between being stressed/anal about things and continuing to live your life as a happy person, but keeping the health and safety of your children as priority.

GotArt · 31/12/2010 02:07

kayah Go to the link that is at the beginning of my post. There are references there to books, studies and articles.

TheSecondComing · 31/12/2010 02:45

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GotArt · 31/12/2010 02:52

With such a self righteous mn name as TheSecondComing, it doesn't surprise me that you would be so judgmental. I bet I could come round your house and judge you badly for about 90% of the food stuff I'd find in your kitchen cupboards. Judge and be expected to be judged.

TheSecondComing · 31/12/2010 03:05

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CheeseandGherkins · 31/12/2010 03:46

I'm with you TheSecondComing, self righteous my arse... Kind of off talking about food no? That's to GotArt. Judgements, well, I really don't think I can say much right now. i'm struggling and I cant think of anything more to say, i just wish i had the choice...

GotArt · 31/12/2010 04:40

No one I know judges me for smoking pot.

GotArt · 31/12/2010 04:47

"I'd prefer to hear from people in the medical field or who can direct me towards research rather than receive anecdotal reassurance (eg. "my sister smoked dope all the time and her kid is fine") or vague disapproval (eg. "I would never do anything to harm my baby")"

The OP wasn't asking to called a twat. She is genuinely curious what the consensus is on it from a studies point of view. Although I did add something personal, (I would like to add that due to a condition I have, I have a 'doctor's note' to smoke where I live) I gave her what she was asking for; a venue for literature.

I really couldn't give two shits what's in your cupboards; my apologies for you missing the subtly of the statement at you being incredibly judgmental.

WillYouDoTheDangFanjo · 31/12/2010 06:13

You won't find much clinical evidence to support or deny your choice to have a toke on NYE.

It will therefore remain your choice and your responsibility. The baby has no choice in the matter, so there is an ethical matter to consider besides a medical one.

I agree that it might not be great for your reputation at the party. If I was having a smoke at a party (which I haven't done since about 1998) and found a heavily pregnant woman hovering expectantly next to me I would definitely wander off rather than pass it to her.

For the future, will you carry on? My parents were occasional tokers and whilst it did no serious harm to the family, it was always confusing and scary as a child to find my parents became grinning moon-faced slow-motion imbeciles on special occasions.

goingroundthebend4 · 31/12/2010 06:29

hmm ok know you dont want storys but will share anyway.

My then partner sister had the odd few smokes while pregnant and sadly lost her daughter 38 weeks now chances are was not linked to the dope but she even now still beats herself up that it might have been .And 10 years later still asks herself what if