According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States. There is ongoing debate if marijuana use during pregnancy causes harm to the fetus. Research reported by the NIDA concludes that marijuana use has a detrimental affect on the unborn baby, although less medically reputable Internet sites indicate that there is no harm to the unborn child. The American Pregnancy Association recommends preventing the potential risk of harm to the fetus by abstaining from marijuana use during pregnancy altogether.
Low Birth Weight
According to the March of Dimes, a baby born weighing less than 5 lbs 8 oz. is considered low birth weight. There are several factors that may contribute to low birth weight, including marijuana use. Babies born with low birth weight are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome, which limits the amount of oxygen the baby receives. Low birth weight may also lead to mild or severe brain bleeding, dangerous intestinal complications or a heart problem called patent ductus arteriosus. A 2004 study in the Annals Academy of Medicine indicates that chronic marijuana use during pregnancy results in fetal growth restrictions.
Brain Changes
Lowered cognitive functioning, developmental delays and learning problems are linked to marijuana use during pregnancy. A 1995 study cited by the NIDA in Pediatrics indicates that mothers who use marijuana during pregnancy have children that later show behavioral, memory and attention disturbances. Marijuana may have this impact on the fetus depending on the developmental stage of the baby when the drug is smoked. Marijuana passes the placenta as well as decreases the oxygen supply to the baby, thus increasing the potential for damage to the baby's brain. The consensus on brain changes and damage occurring to the fetus is that it is more likely to occur if marijuana is used heavily during pregnancy verses minimally.
Respiratory Development
According to the Annals Academy of Medicine report, chronic marijuana exposure during pregnancy results in significant changes to the respiratory system. Long-term effects of respiratory distress include bronchitis, emphysema and suppressed immune response. Additionally, depending on the stage of the fetus's development, smoking marijuana while pregnant may lead to poor lung development and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Dangers to Mother
The expectant mother may also suffer consequences of marijuana use, such as placental complications, preterm labor and infections of her uterus. The American Pregnancy Association further warns that drug use during pregnancy may also lead to maternal death. Due to the additional unknown consequences of drug use while pregnant the safest choice for mother and baby is abstinence from potentially life threatening substances.
