Marijuana+in+Pregnancy

=Marijuana and Pregnancy=

What it is
The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. This means it gets into the baby’s system, although how THC may impact a developing baby is unclear. Some studies have suggested that for women who smoke marijuana cigarettes regularly, there is an increased risk for premature births and low birth weight, similar to what is seen with cigarette smoking. Premature and low birthweight babies have higher rates of infant deaths, learning problems or other disabilities. The analysis of breastmilk in chronic heavy marijuana users shows an eightfold accumulation in breastmilk compared to plasma. Infants exposed to marijuana through breastmilk will test positive in urine screens for two to three weeks. Breastfeeding infants absorb and metabolise THC and their exposure occurs at a time when growth and development, particularly glial and myelin formation in the central nervous system, is progressing at a rapid rate. Animal studies have shown that structural changes occur in the brain cells of newborn animals exposed to marijuana through their mother's milk. Marijuana purportedly impairs DNA and RNA formation. Although long-term studies have not been completed, results observed in humans suggest serious and long lasting effects

Symptoms
Some newborns exposed to marijuana have been reported to have temporary withdrawal-like symptoms, such as increased tremors and crying. The supply of oxygen and nutrition to the developing baby via the placenta (afterbirth) may be reduced. This can result in reduced growth of the baby during pregnancy. Some babies may be born smaller than average and have increased risk of illness in the newborn period. Low birth weight can be associated with infections and breathing problems. There is also some evidence that [|cannabis] use during pregnancy may affect the baby's behaviour

Marijuana can be passed to infants through their mother’s breast milk. Marijuana may also affect the quality and quantity of breast milk. Although no consistent effects have been noticed in infants exposed to marijuana through breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that breastfeeding mothers avoid the use of marijuana. It is believed that some of the drug will pass through the breast milk to the baby, and the baby may become unsettled and demand frequent feeding. When a breastfeeding mother uses cannabis, THC passes into the breast-milk and thus into the baby, where it can be stored in the baby’s fatty tissue for several weeks.

If the mother smokes marijuana while breastfeeding or in the presence of the infant, there is also the effect of the sidestream smoke to be considered. Infants exposed to marijuana through breastmilk often exhibit signs of sedation, weakness and poor feeding patterns. Marijuana has been implicated in the reduction of basal prolactin levels and therefore, in possible decreased milk production.

Smoking during pregnancy and after your baby is born are each associated with an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and the development of asthma and breathing conditions in children. Marijuana use causes reality distortion, which may make it hard to cope with an emergency situation, difficulty in performing small motor activity and after the 'high' wears off, a desire for sleep, usually quite deep, in which the mother may be unresponsive to her baby's needs.

How to Treat
If you breast feed and continue to use cannabis it is important to have your baby’s growth and development regularly checked by the maternal & child health nurse or family doctor. If you are smoking large amounts of cannabis on a daily basis and are unable to reduce use, you should consider formula feeding rather than breast-feeding. There is some evidence that cannabis is excreted in breast milk, but the effects on the infant are unknown.Cannabis is a long acting drug, so advice to take the drug after breastfeeding (as for alcohol) is not useful. [|Marijuana]

Additional Resources
OTIS - Marijuana and Pregnancy Women's Alcohol and Drug Service - Pregnancy and Cannabis Department of Health - Breastfeeding and Cannabis Australian Breastfeeding Association - Breastfeeding and the use of recreational drugs Pregnancy