Consuming cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot) can affect the health of your baby and is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who plan to become pregnant soon.
Research shows that if you use cannabis while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your baby may be born with a lower birth weight, which means the baby is more likely to have health problems, especially in the first year of life.
No matter how you consume cannabis (smoking, vaping, eating, or drinking), the active ingredient in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), will reach your baby through your bloodstream and into the placenta, through your breast milk, and through secondhand smoke that enters the baby's lungs.
Because the health of your baby is important to you, check out the resources below and learn more about how cannabis use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding affects your baby.
Additional Resources
FAQs
If I am pregnant, can I use cannabis to relieve nausea?
No. Using any form of cannabis is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who plan to be pregnant soon. If you already use cannabis for medicinal purposes, ask your doctor for an alternative treatment shown to be safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about cannabis.
Can using cannabis harm my baby while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. Using any form of cannabis is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who plan to become pregnant soon. Research shows that if you use cannabis while you are pregnant or breastfeeding the growth and development of your baby’s brain can be harmed, and your baby is more likely to be born with a lower birth weight and to have health problems. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about cannabis.
Can secondhand cannabis smoke affect nonsmokers and children?
Yes. Secondhand cannabis smoke contains THC and many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke. These toxins can be harmful to those around you, especially babies and children.