{"id":10052,"date":"2024-12-04T10:36:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T15:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birthyoudesire.com\/?p=10052"},"modified":"2024-12-04T10:36:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T15:36:01","slug":"marijuana-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birthyoudesire.com\/marijuana-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding\/","title":{"rendered":"Marijuana During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/h1>\n

Marijuana During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: <\/span><\/h1>\n

What You Need to Know<\/span><\/h1>\n

As marijuana use becomes more widely accepted and legalized, many expecting and new mothers may wonder: <\/span>Is it safe to use marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding?<\/span> At Birth You Desire, we aim to empower families with clear, science-backed information, so they can make the best choices for their health and their baby\u2019s well-being.<\/strong> This article explores the latest research on marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including the \u201cpump and dump\u201d practice and how long THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in marijuana, can be detected in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana Use and Pregnancy: Potential Risks<\/span><\/h2>\n

With some people viewing marijuana as a natural remedy for nausea, anxiety, and pain. It’s understandable why its use may seem appealing during pregnancy. However, THC exposure during pregnancy has been associated with developmental risks.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

THC and Fetal Development<\/span><\/h2>\n

THC crosses the placenta and enters the fetus\u2019s bloodstream, which can impact brain development. For example, studies published in <\/a><\/span>Frontiers in Psychiatry<\/span> (2022) indicate that prenatal THC exposure is associated with changes in fetal brain structure. Research in <\/span>Pediatrics<\/span> and <\/span>JAMA<\/span> has linked prenatal marijuana exposure to potential cognitive and behavioral issues in childhood, such as memory, attention, and learning challenges. These developmental effects highlight the fetus’s heightened sensitivity to external substances like THC.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana Use While Breastfeeding: THC in Breast Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n

How Long Does THC Stay in Breast Milk?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

THC is fat-soluble, meaning it can linger in the body\u2019s fatty tissues, including breast tissue, for prolonged periods. Research published in <\/span>Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/span> (2018) indicates that THC can be detected in breast milk up to six days after a single use<\/span>. For frequent users, THC may remain in breast milk for even longer, potentially exposing the breastfeeding infant to the compound repeatedly. This exposure could affect infant development, as babies are more susceptible to the psychoactive effects of THC due to their developing nervous systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPumping and Dumping\u201d and THC: Does It Work?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The concept of \u201cpumping and dumping\u201d involves pumping breast milk and discarding it to prevent substances from being transferred to the baby. While this method may work for certain substances like alcohol, it does not effectively eliminate THC from breast milk. THC binds to fat cells and is metabolized more slowly than alcohol. So simply discarding a few feedings will not eliminate<\/span> it from the body or prevent it from being passed through breast milk. THC can remain in breast milk as long as it is in the mother\u2019s body, potentially up to several weeks with regular use.<\/span><\/p>\n

THC Detection in Blood, Urine, and Breast<\/strong> Milk<\/span><\/p>\n

The length of time THC stays in the body varies depending on frequency of use, body composition, and metabolism. Here\u2019s an overview of typical detection times:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Blood:<\/span> In occasional users, THC is usually detectable in the blood for up to 1-3 days, while in frequent users, it may remain detectable for up to 25 days or longer.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Urine:<\/span> THC can be found in urine for up to 30 days in regular users, though in occasional users, it may be detectable for about 3-7 days.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Breast Milk:<\/span> As mentioned, THC can persist in breast milk for up to six days after a single use, and longer in habitual users.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Potential Risks of THC Exposure for Breastfeeding Infants<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Studies on the effects of THC on breastfeeding infants are limited but concerning. Some research suggests that THC exposure through breast milk may impair motor development. Also, early studies indicate a potential association with developmental delays and behavioral challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Recommendations for Expecting and New Mothers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Given the potential risks associated with THC exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, most health professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, advise avoiding marijuana use during these periods<\/strong>. While more research is ongoing, current findings suggest that the safest approach is to abstain from marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n

    As marijuana use becomes increasingly common, it\u2019s important to understand its potential impacts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While some may turn to marijuana for relief from certain symptoms, the potential developmental risks to the baby\u2014both in utero and through breastfeeding\u2014warrant caution. If you\u2019re considering using marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss safe alternatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

    At Birth You Desire, we are committed to providing the latest evidence-based information to help you make informed choices. For more guidance on pregnancy and breastfeeding, reach out to our team, and we\u2019ll be here to support you every step of the way. Reach out if you have any questions. Or if you would like to know more about our services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    As marijuana use becomes more widely accepted and legalized, many expecting and new mothers may wonder: Is it safe to use marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":10038,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[25,457,24,22],"class_list":["post-10052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-birth-you-desire-blog","tag-breastfeeding","tag-marijuana","tag-postpartum","tag-pregnancy"],"yoast_head":"\nMarijuana During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - Birth You Desire<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As marijuana use becomes more widely accepted and legalized, you may wonder is it safe to use marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birthyoudesire.com\/marijuana-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Marijuana During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - 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