$Unique_ID{BRK00212}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is It Safe to Use Marijuana During Pregnancy?}
$Subject{marijuana pregnancy hazards Childbirth Safety risks decreased
fertility sperm menstrual cycles spontaneous abortion placenta decreased birth
weight early prolonged labor breast milk nursing breast feeding abortions
infertility infertile fertile sterile sterility}
$Volume{K-23, K-19}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is It Safe to Use Marijuana During Pregnancy?


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QUESTION:  It is important for me to get some straight facts.  Is it safe to
use marijuana during pregnancy?

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ANSWER:  No.  Aside from legal issues, marijuana poses risks to the baby not
only during but even before pregnancy.
     Use of marijuana prior to pregnancy has been associated with decreased
fertility, and should be avoided by both partners if pregnancy is desired.  In
men, it can reduce the number of sperm and their ability to move.  In women,
it may cause shorter menstrual cycles.
     During pregnancy, marijuana consumption poses an increased risk of
spontaneous abortion and adverse effects on the child.  Marijuana's main
psychoactive ingredient--which is largely responsible for the "high"
associated with this drug--is known to cross the placenta and affect fetal
development.  Its effects are linked to decreased birth weight and early as
well as prolonged labor.  Several studies suggest it may even affect the
gender of the baby.
     Evidence of marijuana also appears in breast milk of nursing mothers,
which may also pose a risk to the child.
     Restrictions on human studies with marijuana make it impossible to obtain
conclusive information on its effects in pregnancy.  However, based on animal
studies and the available human information, the best advice to men and women
contemplating pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or nursing, is to abstain
from using marijuana, as well as other drugs and alcohol.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.