So, my wife wants to smoke while pregnant...

[Mafioso]

i think there have been a few threads about this topic. as far as i know, its unclear how smoking marijuana will effect a developing fetus. i've heard arguments and studies on both sides of the fence. personally, i wouldn't risk possible birth defects for a little bit of relief. although i doubt that a few hits on extreme occasion will cause any serious birth defects, my child's life and well being is not something i plan on gambling with.

 

[slimvictor]

It is certainly best not to use any chemicals while pregnant, but the mother's stress also affects the unborn baby. If using weed relieves her stress, it could have a net positive affect. That said, smoking every day seems like too much to me. As others have said, moderation is key.

I personally don't believe that occasional weed use will carry a significant risk for the fetus.
This is based on the limited research I have seen, my discussions with doctors and midwives about this issue, and my experiences with women smoking a LOT of weed while pregnant. Our wonderful midwife complained about her rasta clients who don't stop smoking because of the low birth weight that resulted, and stopped taking clients that refuse to stop smoking continuously. However, from her discussion, I got the feeling that even continuous smoking had a relatively small negative effect, and therefore I suspect that infrequent smoking would have very very small negative effects, if any. Also, using a vaporizer would make a lot of sense, since the limited oxygen intake associated with smoking seems to be what affects the baby the most, as the mother is providing oxygen for the baby. Vaping would take care of this problem.

Also want to say this: I would much, much rather my wife smoke weed occasionally while pregnant than smoke tobacco or drink alcohol.

Also this: if she feels like she NEEDS to smoke, and often, I would try to discourage her. She should be strong enough to handle the stresses of life without constant escape. If she feels like she would like to smoke, and occasionally, I would not discourage her. Intelligent and moderate use of weed is different than escapist addiction-based use.

Just my opinions.
In any case, best of luck to you and your wife during this marvelous adventure, which only starts with the pregnancy!

 

[sheekle]

The opium poppy and the coca plant are just damn plants, yet they regularly are used to produce drugs that ruin peoples' lives when misused.

Your view that it's only a plant and therefore benign to your wife is incredibly simplistic and shortsighted.

Unless your wife is incredibly irresponsible, she should refrain from smoking full stop, whatever the research says. I think it's too much of a risk.

Agree. You can stop her from smoking, physically. She may be an adult and make choices for herself but her/your kid isn't her. You wouldn't want your mother smoking weed when she was pregnant with you, would you?

 

[Ason Unique]

Not a lot of studies on marijuana use during pregnancy, but it has been done. It appears the biggest risk in terms of birth defects with marijuana use is low birth weight or premature delivery.

Differences in brain activity, behavior, and sleeping patterns of infants and children exposed to marijuana in pregnancy have been reported in some studies. It is believed that these children may have more problems with attention, impulsive behavior, and academic performance. However, the evidence is far from conclusive as many of the studies report conflicting results.

The truth is, occasional use may be okay, but don't take my word for it. When my ex-fiance was pregnant, she quit smoking cannabis and so did I.

Those are risks for any normal mother, I was born premature, my mom ain't smoke weed.

I dunno I hear some doctors say its alright, I knew a girl that did it, her kid is fine, but there is a possibility it could, she also smoked cigarettes too lol.

 

[bluehairman]

why all the narrow mindedness in this thread? Do any of you have sources of even one pot related birth defect?

I agree that smoking full on should be avoided but a couple puffs every now and then to help ease pregnancy symptoms would be fine for the baby. There has been enough research done to prove this.

Doc's tell pregnant woman to take tylenol as needed for pain. I imagine that being way worse for the unborn child.

+1.