No amount of marijuana or THC has been proven safe to use during pregnancy. In addition to smoking marijuana, using substances that include THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), such as edibles and oils, carries the same potential to affect a baby’s brain development. Marijuana is unregulated in most places, so you don’t know what may be in it – certain chemicals, pesticides or other drugs may cross the placenta and impact your baby. Though we still need more research, studies in animals have shown that exposure to marijuana in the womb may harm a baby’s brain development. For example, women may think marijuana may help with nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). So until more studies have been done on the safety/risk of e-cigarettes, it is best for moms-to-be not to use them.Īnother way to boost your health during pregnancy is to not use harmful drugs. While some moms-to-be may view e-cigarettes as safer alternatives than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarette solutions contain several of the same reproductive or developmental toxins that are found in traditional cigarettes, like nicotine, cadmium and lead. This is because e-cigarettes are largely unregulated, and little research has been done on them. In comparison to traditional cigarettes, we know very little about the safety of e-cigarettes (or vaping) during pregnancy. Every little bit counts, so even reducing the amount can be helpful to your baby! Not smoking is best for you and your baby during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that babies born to moms who smoke are at risk of having an oral cleft, a birth defect where the lip or roof of the mouth does not fully close. Babies born too small and too early are more likely than other babies to have health complications and may need to stay in the hospital longer. Babies born to mothers who smoke are at increased risk for being born too small (with low birthweight) and prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Some of these chemicals cross the placenta and lower the amount of oxygen and food available for a developing baby. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and toxins, including nicotine, tar, arsenic, lead, and carbon monoxide. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are activities that many associate with stress reduction and, like alcohol, can be hard to stop. Some of these issues last long after birth and can have lifelong effects on your child. Some are physical birth defects, while others are related to controlling emotions effectively and learning abilities. Alcohol can cause a range of issues for the health of your child. This means that not drinking alcohol at all during pregnancy is your best bet. Though having one drink likely does not mean your baby will automatically have health problems, no amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy. Changing your lifestyle to not drink any alcohol during pregnancy may seem hard, but it is worth it for the health of your developing baby. Alcohol is legal to purchase in any amount for most adults 21 and older, making it very accessible. Carly’s story immediately came to mind when talking about Birth Defects Prevention Month’s Tip ❺: Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs.Īlcohol is actively advertised as a way to relax after a hard day, and it’s almost always a part of celebrations. We were able to discuss what kinds of risk the substances she had used may have, and I shared information with her that she could talk to her doctor about. Carly was scared, so she contacted MotherToBaby. Carly knew her baby could suffer if she did not change her use of alcohol and marijuana. She just found out she was pregnant with her fifth child. She had been smoking marijuana on weekends and having a glass of wine most evenings with her dinner. By Lauren Kozlowski, MSW, MPH, MotherToBaby GeorgiaĬarly called and I could hear the stress in her voice immediately.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |