Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 94 million Americans older than age 12 have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. Drug use during pregnancy can have lasting effects on health for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Effects on the Mother
NIDA states that the effects of marijuana use are felt almost immediately by the user. Heart rate increases, blood vessels in the eyes dilate and bronchial passages expand. The initial euphoria of the drug can cause dry mouth, hunger or thirst, and cold extremities. Once the euphoria passes, the user may feel sleepy and tired. Other psychological symptoms may emerge such as depression, anxiety and fear. Taken in high doses, marijuana may cause psychosis, hallucinations and delusions. Personal safety may be at risk in the form of accidents due to marijuana intoxication. THC, the primary chemical in marijuana, may cause impairments which affect balance, coordination, reaction time and visual perception. A pregnant woman may unintentionally harm herself or her child while under the influence of marijuana intoxication.
Effects on the Unborn Child
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, drugs can affect the fetus by crossing the placenta in much the same manner that nutrients cross the placenta. In normal development, the placenta functions optimally to deliver these nutrients for the growth of the developing fetus. Certain drugs can alter the delicate balance of this growth by damaging the fetus directly or by depriving the placenta of oxygen. This deprivation can lead to a baby that is born with a small birth weight and is underdeveloped.
Merck states that the most vulnerable time for a fetus to suffer permanent damage is between the third and eighth week after fertilization. During this stage, organs are developing and may suffer permanent damage. The March of Dimes states that women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy have a slightly increased risk of premature delivery, where the baby is born too early. Some of these babies may suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as excessive crying, trembling and shaking.
Long-term Effects
Preschoolers who had been exposed to marijuana during pregnancy have shown decreased attention and slowed learning compared to children who had never been exposed, according to NIDA. Older school children exhibited poor memory, attention and problem solving skills. Individuals who use marijuana are at risk of developing a weakened immune system, lung problems, impaired memory and cognitive abilities.
Marijuana contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic material than tobacco which may account for increased incidences of lung, head and neck cancers. Long-term use of marijuana can also turn into addictive use where the individual uses the drug compulsively despite negative consequences.
