The moment you find out you’re pregnant, you have more dreams, fears, and advice than you know what to do with. It can feel like everyone has an opinion on your health, especially when the topic of cannabis comes up. We’re here to help, giving you facts and safe alternatives to navigate a cannabis-free pregnancy.
you + Your Baby
THE FACTS
Cannabis refers to all products derived from the plants Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The plant itself contains over 500 compounds, including the mind-altering compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which can pass through the placenta to the baby. Studies also show that using cannabis can lead to complications during pregnancy and even long-term development issues affecting your little one’s memory, learning, and behavior.
Research continues to explore the long-term effects, but the medical community agrees that there is no known safe amount of cannabis to use while pregnant. Discover more and find safe, healthy ways to manage pregnancy symptoms or explore more resources below.
♥️ The Facts
Children exposed to cannabis in the womb may have higher rates of attention problems, anxiety, and learning difficulties in childhood and adolescence.
♥️ The Facts
Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth.
♥️ The Facts
Your connection to your baby doesn’t end at birth. THC, found in cannabis, can enter your baby through breastmilk, even if you ‘pump and dump.’
Healthy ways to cope
There are lots of healthy alternatives to relieve common pregnancy discomforts, including anxiety, sleeplessness, and nausea, that are safe for you and your baby. Here are a few suggestions to help you feel your best during the challenges of pregnancy:
Nourishment
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Keep a box of plain crackers on your nightstand. Eat two or three before your head even leaves the pillow in the morning. Preventing moving on an empty stomach will help reduce nausea.
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Switch to eating small snacks every one to two hours instead of three distinct meals. This will help reduce blood sugar drops that can cause sudden nausea.
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Avoid drinking liquids with your meals. Drink cold, clear liquids twenty to thirty minutes before or after eating to keep a steady stomach.
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Eat a high-protein snack (a spoonful of peanut butter or cheese) right before going to bed. Protein digests slowly, keeping blood sugar stable through the night and reducing early morning nausea.
Recharge + Rest
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Text a close friend to come over, bring takeout, and chat while you relax in your pajamas. Enforce a strict rule for yourself of no cleaning, no hosting, and no pressure to pretend you are fine.
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On your hands and knees, let your belly hang heavy toward the floor, gently swaying your hips from side to side or in small circles for two minutes. Allow gravity to do the hard work, lifting the weight of your uterus off your spine and hip joints.
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Turn off all screens (phones, televisions, tablets) at least 60 minutes before bed. The blue light halts melatonin production, which is already disrupted by pregnancy hormones.
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Lay down on your side (preferably the left side for optimal blood flow). Place one regular pillow or folded towel between your knees to align your hips, one under your belly for support, and one wedged firmly behind your back to prevent rolling.
A Calm mind
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Place three fingers on your inner wrist at the base of your palm. Firmly press and massage the spot right below them, between the two tendons, for 2-3 minutes to calm sudden waves of anxiety or nausea.
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Sitting quietly, breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat 4 times to lower heart rate and decrease feelings of anxiety.
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Place a cold, damp cloth over your forehead or the back of your neck. This quickly cools your body and decreases dizziness while interrupting the brain's sensory focus on triggering sights, smells, or motions to stop a sudden wave of nausea.
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Before bed, set a 5-minute timer. Using a piece of paper or phone app, jot down every lingering anxiety, task, or fear—physically acknowledging these thoughts, moving them out of your head, and separating bedtime from anxieties. If your brain is still racing, take another 5 minutes to sort the list into: a to-do list for tomorrow and worries that are safely "on hold." This simple practice gives your mind a logical stopping point.
Talk TO YOUR PROVIDER
Some supplements and medications are safe to use when pregnant. The best way to find the right help for your specific situation is by talking to your healthcare provider who can assess your needs and provide advice.
for partners
View “Worth It” Campaign resources to help Ohioans understand the risk of cannabis usage during pregnancy.
Sources + Links
For further information, take a look at some of these trusted resources:
Evidence-based guidance available in printable PDFs:
ResourceS
Pregnant or planning
For Healthcare providers
For the community