National OBGYN Group Shares New Cannabis Recommendations During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has offered new guidance to both the general public and doctors when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy and nursing. The national organization now urges complete abstinence from the drug both during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding, including the use of edibles and medical marijuana. The recommendation is based on a number of scientific studies that show negative outcomes from such use."

""Cannabis exposure during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age neonates, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and perinatal mortality," the recommendation reads in part. In addition to these recommendations to parents, the organization urged physicians to ask about cannabis use in all patients before, during, and after pregnancy to minimize risks to the parent and child."

"Doctors were also urged to ask patients about THC use in a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental way. They can then provide information and find alternative solutions for common pregnancy issues like nausea and pain. While the dangers of using marijuana to both adults, pregnant people, and nursing babies have been established for some time, these recommendations come at a time when cannabis and THC use have skyrocketed, the legalization of the drug has spread, and the stigma surrounding its use has faded."

ACOG recommends complete abstinence from cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including edibles and medical marijuana, citing scientific studies linking exposure to adverse outcomes. Cannabis exposure during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age neonates, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and perinatal mortality. Marijuana use can impair judgment and increase accidents, falls, and injuries. Physicians are urged to screen all patients before, during, and after pregnancy for cannabis use, to ask about THC in a caring, non-judgmental way, and to offer alternative solutions for pregnancy symptoms like nausea and pain. Cannabis use has risen and misconceptions persist because the drug is plant-derived.

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