Pregnancy And Baby Care Conditions During Pregnancy Marijuana Smoking During Pregnancy

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Marijuana Smoking During Pregnancy

Marijuana smoking during pregnancy can have devastating effects on the development of the baby within the womb. Marijuana is an illegal substance, and when used for the purpose of intoxication, tends to deaden the nervous system of the body. While taking its effect on the nervous system, it also causes a narrowing of blood vessels in the placenta, restricting the passage of oxygen and vital nutrients to the developing child. As a result, the child may be born with numerous birth defects like mental retardation and deformities, caused as an effect of smoking weed during a pregnancy. Insufficient oxygen may also prove fatal to the developing baby as oxygen is needed for the proper functioning of the brain and other vital organs.

Effects of Smoking Pot During Pregnancy

Effects of smoking pot during pregnancy include retarded growth of the baby developing within the womb and a smaller head circumference at birth. These babies tend to develop learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

Being born with low birth weights, these babies tend to be weaker than healthy children and face various medical problems during the course of life, respiratory disorders being among the top concerns. The harmful effects of marijuana may also affect the developing nervous system adversely leading to poor finer motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These children also tend to have a problem with paying attention to details and focusing. They are also believed to exhibit poor problem solving abilities and have problems with memory.

Nevertheless, there are instances where women claim to have continued to smoke pot through the pregnancy term have gone on to have babies that seem to be perfectly normal and healthy. However, every woman may not be as lucky as these few and hence, marijuana smoking during pregnancy should be refrained from at all costs.