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Questions and Answers

Q. My 21 year old daughter is 2 months pregnant. How harmful is occational pot smoking to unborn child? Facts, figures, studies, etc. Thank you in a advance on behalf of the child,

Sincerely, her father

A. Dear grandad,

Your unborn grandchild is lucky to have someone who is concerned about his/her wellbeing. It is a well documented fact that marijuana or any illegal drug is very dangerous to the fetus during pregnancy and especially in the early weeks of fetal development. Alcohol, certain herbs and even many over-the-counter preparations can cause harm to the developing baby as well. Her chances of miscarriage, placental problems, and sudden infant death syndrome are raised to name a few effects. am sure you could acess the statistics you are seeking on the internet.

I checked in MEDICATIONS AND MOTHERS' MILK bt Thomas Hale, Ph.D. and of course this refers to infant exposure through breastmilk but several affects were noted. Sedation in the infant and growth delay as well as a reduction in the mothers milk supply are several concerns. Infants exposed to the drug tested positive in urine screens for long periods of time. If full term infants are so strongly affected it stands to reason that a developing fetus would be much more sensitive. I hope you are successful in encouraging your daughter to consider the wellbeing of her child. Cyndi

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.