Cannabis

Why the High Isn’t Worth it if Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to cannabis in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Many moms may not want to hear this, but medical experts agree: cannabis (commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot, among many other terms) should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk for some pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and having a low birth weight baby. Babies that are born prematurely or with low birth weight can have higher rates of learning problems or other disabilities. In addition, chemicals in cannabis (in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the primary component of marijuana that produces a “high”) cross the placenta and reach the baby, and there is some concern that this exposure could cause long-term learning or behavior problems.

“When cannabis (marijuana) is smoked or eaten, the chemicals reach the fetus by crossing the placenta. Research is limited on the harms of marijuana use during pregnancy. But there are possible risks of marijuana use, including babies that are smaller at birth and stillbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women not use marijuana.”

— American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee Opinion No. 722

THC can also be passed to a baby through breast milk. THC is stored in fat and is slowly released over time, meaning a baby could still be exposed even after mom stops using cannabis. A study led by our own Dr. Christina Chambers found that THC may be present in a mom’s breast milk up to 6 days after last use. Because a baby’s brain continues to develop during the time that they are being breastfed, experts worry about the possible effects this exposure may have on a nursing infant when a mother uses cannabis during breastfeeding.

Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Business Insider

Please see our library of resources below on cannabis exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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When Pesky Allergies from Pollens or Pet Dander Cause Problems

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to allergies during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Ah, spring, summer, and fall – beautiful seasons to be enjoyed in much of the world, but they can also be miserable if you are an allergy sufferer! Unfortunately, pollens, mold spores, and even the dander from our family fur babies can bring on pesky symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. Luckily, there are a plethora of prescription and over-the-counter medication options to treat allergy symptoms. But what should you do if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

“An allergist/immunologist can tell you which asthma and allergy medications are the safest and most effective to take throughout pregnancy. Make an appointment with an allergist soon after you discover you are pregnant to develop or review your personal treatment plan and to give you peace of mind.”

— American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

There are non-medication options that may alleviate allergy suffering, such as avoiding the outdoors during certain times of day, wearing a face mask to prevent inhaling allergens, using high quality air filters in your home, rinsing your sinuses with a saline nose spray, or washing Fido on a weekly basis to reduce allergy-causing dander. But when your symptoms don’t respond to these efforts, talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options and check out our resources if you’re looking for information about a specific active ingredient.

Last, people with asthma need to be particularly careful as the same allergens that cause allergy symptoms may also cause asthma symptoms – and uncontrolled asthma has been linked with poorer pregnancy outcomes, like preterm birth (delivery before you reach 37 weeks), pregnancy loss, and low birth weight. See our Asthma page for more information and resources.

Reference: Gilbert et al. Drug Saf. 2005;28(8):707-19.

Please see our library of resources below on allergies during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Managing Depression When You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to depression during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Anyone can experience symptoms of depression at some point in their life, like when going through relationship problems, grieving the loss of a loved one, or facing job loss. But when the symptoms of depression are severe, persistent, and interfere with everyday activities, these may be signs of clinical depression (also called Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD). When major depression happens during pregnancy or after childbirth, it is called Peripartum Depression (PPD; formerly called postpartum depression). MDD and PPD are serious conditions that may make it difficult to complete daily tasks in order to care of yourself or your baby, and may interfere with bonding, which might have a negative effect on the baby’s development and behavior.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. If you think you may be clinically depressed, talk with your healthcare provider or a licensed mental health professional about your symptoms and concerns.

Not Feeling Like Yourself?

Are you a new parent – or about to be – and feeling sad, worried, or concerned that you aren’t good enough? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline counselors provide 24/7, free, confidential emotional support and resources to help you feel better. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Are you currently in crisis? Call or text 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Have a Question?

Need information about depression or a mental health medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Contact a MotherToBaby information specialist.

Pregnant persons with depression – and their babies – typically do better if their depression is treated. Some studies (not all) have reported higher rates of miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia when depression is left untreated in pregnancy. Treatment for depression can include medications, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. It’s important that you discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers when planning pregnancy, or as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. As always, check out our resources if you’re looking for information about specific medications. And remember: always talk with your healthcare providers before stopping any medication you are currently taking.

Reference: American Psychiatric Association, October 2020.

Please see our library of resources below on depression during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Managing Anxiety When You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to anxiety during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Like most people, you might experience anxiety at some point in your life, like when dealing with a problem at work or at home, when you or a loved one is facing a health complication – or when you find out you are pregnant! It can be hard to tell the difference between what is usual worry/fear vs. symptoms that might be more concerning. When anxiety does not go away, gets worse over time, and/or interferes with everyday activities, those may be signs of an anxiety disorder. Some people may have anxiety disorders before they get pregnant, while others may develop anxiety disorders during pregnancy or after delivery.

“The multiple adverse perinatal outcomes associated with anxiety [in pregnancy] highlight the need to both identify and manage [people who are pregnant] with high levels of anxiety.”

— Grigoriadis et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(5):17r12011.

Untreated anxiety disorders during pregnancy may increase the chance of adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and low birth weight; they may also make it more difficult to bond with the baby during and after pregnancy, and could increase the chance of having a mood disorder, such as depression, after delivery. If you are concerned about anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage it. These might include non-medication options—such as talk therapy, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and exercise—as well as medications. As always, check out our resources if you’re looking for information about specific medications while you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or nursing.

Reference: Buist et al. J Affect Disord. 2011 Jun; 131(1-3): 277–283.

Not Feeling Like Yourself?

Are you a new parent – or about to be – and feeling sad, worried, or concerned that you aren’t good enough? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline counselors provide 24/7, free, confidential emotional support and resources to help you feel better. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Are you currently in crisis? Call or text 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Have a Question?

Need information about anxiety or a mental health medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Contact a MotherToBaby information specialist.

Please see our library of resources below on anxiety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Relieving the Strain During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to constipation during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

It’s common, but uncomfortable, to experience constipation when pregnant – in fact, it’s the 2nd most common gastrointestinal complaint about pregnancy! Constipation can start in the first trimester and worsen throughout pregnancy as progesterone levels rise. Other culprits include prenatal vitamins that contain iron, decreasing activity levels as pregnancy advances, low fiber intake, and inadequate water intake. While constipation often improves after delivery, it may continue to be an issue if you take certain medications for post-partum pain or prenatals while breastfeeding. Some women may have a pre-existing history of chronic constipation, in which they experience certain symptoms for more than 3 months at a time. For these women, constipation and its treatment needs to be navigated before, during, and after pregnancy. Understanding constipation and its treatment is essential for women and their developing babies, no matter if it is an occasional or chronic issue.

“Constipation is a common symptom during pregnancy. The majority of cases are simple constipation that occurs due to a combination of hormonal and mechanical factors affecting normal GI function. However, a number of women suffer from constipation prior to conception and find their symptoms worsen during pregnancy.”

— Cullen & O’Donoghue. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21(5):807-18.

For some women, dietary changes such as increasing fluids and eating high fiber foods can help prevent constipation, as can regular exercise. Although occasional constipation is common, talk with your health provider if it has been or becomes an ongoing issue. Our resources will help you and your provider navigate constipation treatments so you can make more informed decisions for a healthier – and more comfortable – pregnancy.

Reference: Trottier et al., 2012

Join Our Functional Constipation Study

If you’re pregnant and have either chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), please consider enrolling into our observational study to give moms-to-be better answers about how functional constipation and its management can affect a pregnancy and a developing baby. You will not be asked to take or change any medications, and you can participate from the comfort of your home.

Learn More

Please see our library of resources below on constipation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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