Atlanta

Doctor warns mothers-to-be about using marijuana during pregnancy

ATLANTA — More expectant mothers than ever are using medical marijuana, according to a new government study.

Channel 2's Richard Elliot went to an Atlanta OB-GYN to find out the real impact marijuana could have on an unborn child.

In 2003, a little over 3% of women smoked marijuana while pregnant, according to the study. In 2017, that number jumped to 7%, showing one in 14 pregnant women smoked pot.

Dr. Lillian Schapiro told Elliot that science shows that when the marijuana affects the mother it also affects the baby.

“The marijuana molecule dissolves in fat, and we also know that it crosses the placenta, and so the baby gets about 10% of the amount of marijuana as the mom,” Schapiro said.

She believes that marijuana can affect the baby’s developing brain the same way it can teenage smokers.

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“Bottom line, mothers and people who think they might be about to become pregnant is to just stay away from the marijuana,” Schapiro said.

Some women told Elliot they don't see any risks.

“I don’t think it’s a terrible thing,” mother of two Lori Henderson said.

She said she knows some women who smoked marijuana while pregnant mainly to stop the awful nausea that accompanies pregnancies, particularly in the first trimester.

“I do understand that some women use it for anti-nausea. I do know some people who have done it sparingly and temporarily,” Henderson said.

Schapiro said her warning also applies to things like medical marijuana and even CBD oils. Those could affect the pregnancy the same way as smoking marijuana.