Pregnancy And Pot: Weed Out The Facts

All across the country, states are legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use. As the laws have loosened around the use of marijuana, it’s common to hear about how safe – even beneficial – weed can be. It may seem like smoking weed just isn’t a big deal anymore. But if you’re pregnant – or may become pregnant – there are some important things to know before you light up a joint.

Can smoking weed during pregnancy hurt my baby?

When you’re pregnant, anything you put on your skin or into your body can affect the baby growing inside you – whether you’re eating it, drinking it, or smoking it.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that pregnant women do not use marijuana during pregnancy because it can cause harmful effects for the baby. Some research shows a lower birth weight and a greater chance of stillbirth or premature birth for babies whose moms smoked weed during pregnancy. And because marijuana smoke has a lot of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, there are many of the same dangers for developmental delays in a developing baby. As your baby’s brain develops, any chemicals you ingest can affect that development.

What about edible marijuana?

Edible marijuana still contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can affect the baby’s development. And because your body processes edible marijuana differently than smoked marijuana, it takes longer to feel the effects of edible marijuana. Some users eat more to feel the effects more quickly, but there’s no sure way to know how strong the marijuana is before eating it. This increases your risk of overdosing on edible marijuana.

I’ve been using medical marijuana. Is it safe for me to keep using it?

In short, no. It isn’t safe. Medical marijuana isn’t any safer than recreational marijuana. It carries the same risks for you and for your developing baby.

If you’ve been using medical marijuana, talk to your OB-GYN about safer alternative treatments.

I heard weed can help with nausea. Can I use it to help my morning sickness?

Again, the short answer is No. Even if you think the weed is helping alleviate one problem, it still carries the risk of causing more problems. If you’re having serious morning sickness, talk to your OB-GYN. There are FDA-approved medications to help with morning sickness. And these medications won’t harm your baby.

I smoked weed before I knew I was pregnant. Is my baby going to be OK?

If you stopped using weed as soon as you found out you’re pregnant, you’ve reduced the risks for yourself and your baby. But it’s still important that you let your OB-GYN know if you exposed your baby to marijuana at any point during the pregnancy. Your doctors can take better care of you if they’re fully informed about all risks.

What if I’m addicted?

If it’s hard or feels impossible for you to stop using weed, there are people who can help you. You can find resources on the website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA also has a 24-hour treatment referral line: 800-662-HELP (4357).

Weeding out the facts.

Both the CDC and ACOG recommend that women not use weed during pregnancy. Marijuana use has been associated with developmental delays, brain development, low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. It also increases the risk of dizziness, falls, and breathing problems for the pregnant mom. And because all marijuana isn’t the same, you never know the exact strength or chemical make-up of the weed you’re using, so you can’t be certain what the dangers and risks are.

If you’re pregnant or you might become pregnant, talk to your doctor honestly about all of your drug and alcohol use so your doctor can take the best care possible of you and your baby. You deserve to be healthy and to give your baby the best possible chance of being healthy.

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My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025

An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

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An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.