Marijuana for morning sickness is harmful for fetus

Q: My sister lives in Colorado, and she’s three months pregnant. When she went to a marijuana dispensary (store), she was told that smoking pot would ease her morning sickness. I told her that was nuts and she’s poisoning her fetus. I’m right, aren’t I? — Jessica B., Sayville, N.Y.

A: Yes, you are, and what you’re describing is a big problem for Colorado and beyond. A recent Denver Health study found that about 70 percent of Colorado cannabis dispensary employees recommended cannabis products to treat nausea in the first trimester. The other 30 percent referred the pregnant women to a health care provider, which is what every dispensary employee should have done. As more states legalize recreational marijuana, the frequency of women smoking (or ingesting) it to relieve symptoms of morning sickness may increase, and the harm to newborns may be permanent. Tip: Tell her to check with her doctor about acupuncture or aromatherapy to ease symptoms.

We know smoking anything while you’re pregnant will introduce potential toxins to a fetus, which can affect birth weight and childhood development. Now, a report from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions has found that smoking marijuana specifically is linked to lower birth weights and the possibility of behavioral problems later in a child’s life. The get-you-high chemical THC in marijuana goes directly through the placenta to the developing fetus, as does nicotine and alcohol.

The University of Buffalo study also points out that pregnant women who smoke (marijuana or tobacco) also experience high levels of stress — and a cranked-up stress response in pregnant women is linked to infant irritability. Add prenatal exposure to toxic substances and, well, you might suggest your sister consider counseling for the sake of her unborn child.

Q: I went through a divorce last year and moved back to my hometown to try to start over, but my family isn’t here anymore and I feel alone and depressed. I’m not moving again! What’s wrong with me? — Cecilia N., Columbus, Ohio

A: Nothing is wrong with you, Cecilia; you’re just lonely. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to overcome that feeling of isolation, and it’s important for your health and happiness that you take action right away. Loneliness is not an unexpected response considering the big upheavals in your life. In fact, a recent study by a health insurance company found that according to the UCLA Loneliness Scale, most adult Americans today experience loneliness with some regularity.

Loneliness can lead to depression, inactivity, cardiovascular problems, decreased memory function, loss of self-esteem, alcohol and drug abuse, and plain old bad decisionmaking. In fact, a Brigham Young University metastudy found that loneliness is associated with a significantly increased risk of early mortality, so let’s not kid around and instead nip this in the bud.

Tip No. 1: Put down the remote and get active. Start with a new pair of running/ walking shoes and then find a local group to head out with. We Googled “Walking Groups Columbus OH” and the first website had consolidated over 60 websites of walking groups and other gatherings of like-minded folks, from “Babes in the Woods — Outdoor Adventures for Women” to get-togethers for drinking Chinese tea.

Tip No. 2: Go with who you know. If you’re from there, you must know someone who you went to school with or a favorite teacher who’s still around. Who organizes class reunions? Give them a call and arrange to meet for lunch. Go visit your old schools and volunteer.

Tip No. 3: Give yourself time to make new friends. You probably are meeting new people every day through work, volunteering or in the neighborhood. Be friendly; say hello, and ask people about themselves (the most powerful way to make connections). Reach out, and folks will respond. In the meantime, stay in touch with friends and family around the country; you don’t want to let old ties fade.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is chief wellness officer and chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily @sharecare.com.