Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, change, and sometimes anxiety. Expectant parents often wonder what’s safe for their developing baby, from foods and supplements to medications and lifestyle choices. One question that comes up more often than you might think is cannabis use — whether it’s for recreational purposes, stress relief, or to manage nausea.
As a psychiatrist, I work with many patients who are navigating these questions, and it’s important to provide clear, evidence-based guidance. This post explores the risks, potential effects, and safer alternatives to cannabis use during pregnancy.
Understanding Cannabis
Cannabis, also commonly called marijuana, contains hundreds of chemical compounds. Two of the most well-known are:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The main psychoactive component that produces a “high.”
CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating and often marketed for anxiety, pain, or sleep.
Both THC and CBD can cross the placenta, which means they can reach the developing baby. Even products labeled “natural” or “organic” aren’t necessarily risk-free during pregnancy.
Potential Risks of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Research on cannabis use during pregnancy is still evolving, but evidence suggests concerns:
Effects on fetal development
THC exposure may affect brain development, potentially impacting learning, attention, and behavior later in childhood.
There is some evidence linking cannabis use with lower birth weight.
Pregnancy complications
Cannabis may increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth in some studies.
Combining cannabis with other substances, like tobacco or alcohol, can magnify these risks.
Neonatal and early childhood outcomes
Some studies suggest children exposed to cannabis in utero may have subtle cognitive or behavioral differences.
Long-term impacts are still being studied, but the safest approach is avoidance.
Why Some Pregnant People Use Cannabis
Despite the risks, some expectant parents turn to cannabis for reasons such as:
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
Anxiety, stress, or depression
Pain management
Help with sleep
It’s important to note that while cannabis may offer temporary symptom relief, safer, evidence-based alternatives exist — and a psychiatrist or obstetrician can help guide these choices.
Safer Alternatives
If you’re struggling with symptoms during pregnancy, consider these safer options:
Nausea: Vitamin B6, ginger, acupressure, or prescription anti-nausea medications approved by your doctor.
Anxiety or depression: Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT), mindfulness practices, or carefully selected medications supervised by a psychiatrist.
Pain management: Prenatal-approved stretching, prenatal yoga, physical therapy, or other non-pharmacological approaches.
Sleep difficulties: Gentle sleep hygiene practices like consistent bedtime routines, limiting screen time before bed, relaxation exercises, and prenatal-safe sleep aids if recommended by a healthcare provider.
Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Pregnancy can be stressful, and it’s normal to want relief. However, cannabis use during pregnancy may do more harm than good for both mother and baby. Holistic, integrative care can help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns safely.
At Tranquility Psychiatry, our approach blends psychotherapy, medication management when appropriate, and lifestyle support to help patients cope without risking fetal development. If you’re considering cannabis use or struggling with stress, our psychiatrists can provide guidance tailored to your pregnancy and mental health needs.
The Bottom Line: Cannabis is not considered safe during pregnancy
THC and CBD can cross the placenta, potentially impacting fetal brain development and birth outcomes.
Safer alternatives exist for nausea, anxiety, and pain.
Professional support from psychiatrists or obstetricians is key to protecting both your health and your baby’s health.
Resources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – guidance on substance use during pregnancy
March of Dimes – resources on prenatal health and risks of cannabis use
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – support for substance use during pregnancy
Take the Next Step
If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy and have questions about cannabis or managing stress, anxiety, or depression safely, the psychiatrists at Tranquility Psychiatry are here to help. We provide compassionate, integrative care to support both your mental health and your pregnancy.
Book a visit today to discuss safe options for your well-being and your baby’s health.
