pregnant and concerned

[Nullific]

A friend of mine recently popped a kid out, she is a cigarette smoker and the doctors just told her to keep it under 9 a day. She reported an inability to smoke that many anyways as they made her feel sick during her pregnancy. She also smoked cannabis occassionally-moderately, lets say once or twice a week. There is no hard link between moderate cannabis use and birth defects/neurological development problems.

[hubblebubble]

im a serious smoker and my weed means a lot to me, but one thing i am not is ignorant, smoking full stop will harm the baby, nicotine constricts the blood vessels on your side of the placenta meaning it is much more difficult for the foetus to gain oxygen, smoking raises levels of carbon monoxide in blood, restricting oxygen to a baby is dangerous ,i dont know what exactly it would do, but i guess it would restrict the babys growth or may cause other malfuntions YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED if you are desperate use a vaporiser and get your fix of THC from that nicotine is poisonous to a baby so dont smoke

[phantomlady]

Hi everyone...
Boy, thanks again for all the response, positive and negative, it's all helpful. My husband said his mom smoked thru both his and his brothers pregnacy, and both turn out to be fine men with no health problems.

But, for me... gotta take the cautious path, I'm fighting the need to have a cig... I think Im getting there, but it is difficult. I started eating sunflower seeds... seems to keep me busy so I dont think about it as much. I do slip once in a while and take a few puffs.. but I quickly put it out and curse at myself. Still fighting that demon. Went out and bought more seeds this morning.

As far as pot... yep, had a vaporizor, in the back of a closet, that I pulled out. Still works : ) and I've been successful in cutting back on my pot intake too. Just a few hits of the vap. in the morning, and again at night to help me sleep.

I just wanted to give ya a status report. And note that all the comments, even the bit hateful ones, can be constructive, shame and contempt are sometimes great motivators. But to the people that offer positive and supportive statements, thank you specifically, it's nice to know there are people out there that have gone thru this and can give honest uplifting comments without condeming my soul for my ignorance or inexperience.

I'm 2000 miles away from my family and friends and have to rely on books and what little resources I have here. My husband is trying to be supportive, but as most women know... he's even more clueless than I am. We are hardworking people, just trying to get thru this new experience the best we can.

Thanks again for all the support and I'll keep ya up to date as best I can. I've got my 2nd obgyn appointment Thursday. my husband is coming with me to this one, to see the sonogram of his son. If he doesn't pass out, Im hoping it will be as emotional for him as it was for me last month.

phantomlady

[lizka4200]

so how far along are you?....my boyfriend has a one year old its prob the best thing to ever happen to anyone...it brings jy and pleasure in ur life...and when it may be hard at first 98% of the time its an amazing fun experience the other 2% ...ehh good luck

[hubblebubble]

good luck i see your making the right decisions and if anything happens you know who to blame (ezjim nwokpeach nullifik)

[stankystank]

Definately quit smoking ciggarettes, even if it kils you to do it. Just sheer willpower is all ya need. Thats all I needed to throw them down. As for the weed, thats probably also a bad idea, although there seems to be no solid medical research on that. Just to be safe, I would STOP inhaling any and all burning smoke off of a plant.... try eating it in brownies or using a good vaporizer....

Better not to gamble with a human life.

i would inhale anything or do anything drug related until youve had the baby dont wanna risk anything

[felloleo]

Phantom lady-GOOD FOR YOU. The fact that you've cut down should be commended. Cigarettes yes are harmful to both of you, but cutting back the way you have is very difficult and what awesome dedication you have to your baby! Congratulations by the way.

I have been assisting with deliveries of babies for nearly 10 years now and have done some of my own research into the benefits and effects of marijuana use during pregnancy. I've received most of my info from honest midwives who aren't in fear of being sued, from medical books and also from direct experience (Unfortunately most women will not admit to smoking marijuana during pregnancy). Of course overuse of anything can be harmful, mostly from partaking by smoking the plant. Use moderation in anything you do. If you can find organically grown plants, you and your baby are much better off. You should always be aware of the pesticides being used on the plants.
Also as far as any birth defects, the majority of pharmaceuticals an MD will prescribe women during pregnancy for nausea, pain (including pain meds used during childbirth), etc. have been shown to not be completely safe for human fetuses. They are mostly 'category B: Animal studies show no risk but there are no controlled studies in women, or animal studies indicate a risk but controlled human studies fail to demonstrate a risk. Heparin and penicillins fall into this category.' Or
'Category C: no adequate studies, either in animals or women, are available, or animal studies show teratogenic (factors that can produce malformations of the fetus) effects but no controlled studies in women are available.' (This is a classification developed by the FDA for healthcare professionals).
So, if you need something for pain or nausea or decreased appetite or sleep, smoke your plants. 'To date, there is no evidence that marijuana has any teratogenic effects' (Niebyl JR: Teratology and drugs in pregnancy and lactation. In 'Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology'). And it's been around longer than any of these pharmaceuticals. Be aware however that some MD's are not open minded about this, it is in fact still illegal, and will have you drug tested if you admit to 'using'. Do whatever feels right to you but there will probably not be any reason to disclose this to your doc. And check if your community allows midwives to deliver babies in the area hospitals-they are typically not as busy as MD's and can offer alternative therapies to many aspects of pregnancy and birth. Most importantly-stay informed and ALWAYS ask LOTS of questions!
Take care of your body, remember your womb is the baby's first environment. Drink your (purified) water!! And enjoy your pregnancy and the birth of your new life. No worries (fetuses sense stress).
(Sorry, didn't mean to write a short story, I happen to think this should be public knowledge)

[partyguy420]

me turn out just fine....jk,,,, its not realy a bright idea to smoke alot during pregancey or while breast feading( im not sure on the breast feading... but what the hell... give him/her the bottel fast lol) and dont smoke around your kid once its born.,,

[beachguy in thongs]

If I became pregnant: 1. go to the social security office and request a name change 2. I wouldn't smoke anything.

[zenkat]

The first trimester of your baby's life is the most crucial.
Right now, your baby is developing, trying to compensate for the lack of OXYGEN he/she is receiving, because of your contaminated blood. The baby has no choice but to ingest the same poisons we do. Heck, I smoke...BUT NEVER WHILE PREGNANT.
Give your baby's respiratory system a fighting chance - GIRLFRIEND..GIVE IT UP for your miracle!