As laws and regulations change regarding the use of marijuana, a growing number of pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are reportedly turning to cannabis-derived products to self-medicate for symptoms like nausea, pain and postpartum depression. Is this practice safe? Although more research is underway, experts are beginning to raise alarms.

On October 16th, 2019, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement about the dangers of using CBD and THC, the two main compounds found in marijuana, while pregnant or breastfeeding.

"FDA wants you to know there may be serious risks to using cannabis products, including those containing CBD, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are many potential negative health effects from using marijuana and other products containing THC during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently advised consumers that marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, because THC can enter the fetal brain from the mother’s bloodstream. The Surgeon General also advised that marijuana may increase the risk of a newborn with low birth weight. Research also suggests increased risk for premature birth and potentially stillbirth."

Read the FDA's statement: What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant or Breastfeeding.

Recently, Canadian researchers found the use of marijuana in pregnant women was tied to a doubling of the preterm birth rate. Read a summary of their findings here.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently released this infographic based on their findings and recommendations: