Avoid marijuana if pregnant

In the film “Parenthood,” Mr. and Mrs. Buckman (Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen) show up for a meeting at their son’s school and are told he has behavioral problems and needs remedial education. Angered by the news, Martin’s character accuses his wife of marijuana use while she was pregnant.

Laws around cannabis use have changed drastically in the three decades since the film, and there’s far less stigma about the drug when it comes to both medical and recreational use. But the facts about marijuana use during pregnancy haven’t changed: Cannabis and pregnancy don’t mix.

A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and

Neonatal Medicine involved 450 pregnant women who selfreported using marijuana. The researchers found that marijuana use during pregnancy may raise the risk for decreased fetal oxygen levels and lower infant birth weight, and is associated with poorer infant health. This is alarming, since marijuana use during pregnancy has doubled over the past 15 years, and 70% of women believe marijuana use is safe during pregnancy.

It’s as likely that it’s the inhalation of smoke as it is the cannabinoid compounds that are detrimental to fetal brain development and overall health. Pregnant women should avoid being around secondhand cannabis smoke too.

If you need help managing pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea, insomnia or anxiety (marijuana is touted for easing these problems), acupuncture and aromatherapy are reported to be very effective.

Talk with your doctor about other safe interventions, such as daily exercise, talk therapy and changing your diet and eating schedule.

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. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.