A woman finding out she is pregnant is often a happy time, but can also bring a myriad of symptoms and side effects. Other mothers are always eager to share their tips and tricks to ease the discomforts that accompany this exciting time in life. The latest trend is using marijuana. A recent study, published in the JAMA journal and re-posted below, discusses the reasons for this and the drawbacks involved.
More pregnant women are turning to pot to ease such pregnancy symptoms as morning sickness and anxiety, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA. For the seven-year study, nearly 300,000 California-based mothers-to-be, ages 12 and older, completed questionnaires about their marijuana use and took toxicology tests during their prenatal care visits. The results: Marijuana use climbed from 4.2% to 7.1% from 2009 through 2016. And while marijuana use increased in every age group, the sharpest spike was among women younger than age 24. Here’s a closer look at some of the findings:
Why More Pregnant Women Are Using Pot Experts point to both legalization and increasing social acceptance as possible explanations. “Think about marijuana use from their perspective, especially in Northern California,” Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, professor and chief of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, told CNN.com. California legalized medical marijuana use in 1996, and on January 1, 2018, legalized recreational marijuana. “So I think the idea that use is rising is just because of the greater legal exposure to marijuana that women have today versus 20 years ago,” Dr. Horsager-Boehrer continued. Why Pot and Pregnancy Don’t Mix Research on the effects of marijuana use on developing babies is still ongoing and many women who use marijuana may also smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use other street drugs. According to March of Dimes, studies have linked the following health effects with marijuana use during pregnancy:
In addition, exposure to marijuana during pregnancy may cause problems for the baby after birth, including:
Getting Help for Marijuana Abuse If you have loved one who is struggling with their marijuana use call Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC at (678) 297-0708 for an evaluation, and to discuss the best treatment options available.
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