No, you can’t. Today, cannabis—also called marijuana—is gradually entering the ranks of America’s legal, recreational substances. However, the drug’s new legal status can overshadow its potential to cause harm. One area of concern is marijuana use during pregnancy. Smoking weed while pregnant exposes your developing child to various potentially adverse effects. If you’re struggling with a marijuana addiction while pregnant, you have even more reason to seek professional help.
Staying drug-free during pregnancy and beyond is possible with the support of a marijuana addiction treatment program. Call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs for women.
How Many Women Smoke Weed While Pregnant?
Research shows that anywhere from 2% to 5% of all pregnant women in the U.S. report using cannabis. However, this is an average for all women. Among women who used cannabis before becoming pregnant, the rate of use during pregnancy is far higher. Depending on the specific segment of the population, it varies from 34% to 60%.
Cannabis use is more common in some groups of women than others. For example, pregnant women who are younger, unmarried, living below the poverty line, or with a history of substance abuse are more likely to use the drug.
Many women who continue to use the drug while pregnant believe it is safe. Some women think that cannabis is a cure for morning sickness. However, no scientific evidence supports this claim, even for medical marijuana, which is chemically the same as recreational marijuana.
What Are the Risks of Smoking Weed While Pregnant?
Cannabis use during pregnancy can harm a developing fetus in multiple ways. The list of known effects of smoking weed while pregnant on the developing child include:
- Disrupting the normal process of fetal brain development
- Higher chance of being born prematurely
- Increased odds of stillbirth
- Lower-than-normal body weight at birth
Risks for premature birth are highest among pregnant women who smoke cigarettes in addition to cannabis. Even secondhand cannabis smoke has the potential to harm children. Fetal exposure to the drug is linked to behavioral problems later in life. It is also linked to a reduced ability to focus and pay attention.
How Many Women Who Smoke Weed While Pregnant Have an Addiction Problem?
Marijuana addiction is part of a more significant condition called cannabis use disorder. This condition also includes non-addicted but severe cannabis use. You can be affected by marijuana addiction and non-addicted cannabis use simultaneously.
Cannabis use disorder is real and severe. It’s estimated that as many as 30% of people who use the drug develop this condition. The risks are highest among women with a personal or family history of addiction.
Some studies suggest that cannabis use during pregnancy may increase your risk of developing the disorder. About one in every five pregnant women who use marijuana struggle with cannabis use disorder. Some of these women meet the criteria for addiction. Others meet the criteria for non-addicted but severe use. In addition, some women have overlapping symptoms of both problems.
How Does Marijuana Addiction Treatment Work?
How do marijuana rehab programs work? Currently, there is no medication proven to provide any consistent benefits. Instead, the primary option for treatment is psychotherapy. Three kinds of therapy are most likely to be used:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This therapeutic approach helps you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that support the addiction.
- Contingency management – This technique provides rewards or prizes when you reach treatment milestones.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) – As evidenced by its name, it enables you to increase your motivation to participate in treatment.
If you are struggling with marijuana addiction, there’s a good chance that you have additional mental health issues—mainly if you started using the drug as a teenager. This overlap of health conditions is known as dual diagnosis, which needs a specific program of treatment that has you work on both co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
Learn More About Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Women’s Recovery
Need more information on pregnancy and cannabis use? The addiction specialists at Women’s Recovery have the answers to your questions. We’ll help you clarify the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant. We understand that marijuana addiction is a serious problem that takes control of your life. But we also know you can recover with the proper treatment and support.
Women’s Recovery also provides high-quality marijuana addiction treatment. Our customized approach provides targeted support for your recovery. We also have the expertise needed to treat dual diagnoses. Call us today at 833.754.0554 to learn more or fill out our convenient online form.
