Can marijuana cause a miscarriage?

Over time, parents have developed a better understanding of pregnancy. Caffeine, cannabis, tobacco and more can have an influence.

In France, 20% of pregnant women smoke and studies show that the prevalence of alcohol consumption is at least 15%, although the infant mortality rate is lower there. Part of the reason could be health care and support for expectant mothers, but part is also general lifestyle. It's called the French paradox. Even if no doctor advocates for bad habits during pregnancy, they do happen. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol are on the avoid list, but can marijuana cause a miscarriage?

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There is clear evidence that smoking, alcohol and caffeine can have effects on the fetus. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, when consumed during pregnancy, can have negative effects on the fetus, including the possibility of low birth weight, developmental delays, birth defects, and even miscarriage. Alcohol poses the greatest risk due to its potential for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

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A research study compared maternal consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis and caffeine. The relationship between this use and offspring growth parameters observed from birth to 12 and 24 months of age was examined. Of the soft drugs used, nicotine had the strongest effect. After adjusting for other relevant variables, nicotine consumption before and during pregnancy was negatively associated with weight and head circumference at birth. Additionally, third trimester nicotine consumption was a stronger predictor of lower birth weight and head circumference than first trimester nicotine consumption. The results obtained are consistent with the ponderal index (PI) literature, which suggests recovery from stunting in infants with a reduced PI. The average consumption of more than one ounce of absolute alcohol per day had a negative impact on birth weight and birth length. Neither cannabis nor caffeine consumption had a significant negative impact on any growth parameter.

The chemicals in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. This can lead to various problems. Frequent cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. Cannabis use can impair neurological development and increase the risk of abnormal neurodevelopment in the fetus.

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A decisive factor is the amount consumed. Frequent cannabis use has been linked to low birth weight in babies. There is also one increased risk of spontaneous premature birth. Another concern is possibly can affect the baby's brain development or cause abnormal neurological development. Long term can affect a child's long-term learning and behavior.

Studies are inconclusive about this Link between marijuana use and miscarriage, but it's clear that regular or heavy use can have an impact.