Is cannabis harmful during pregnancy?

Prevention’s clear recommendation is this: when trying for a child, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, avoid cannabis. The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) explicitly advises this. The Swiss specialist agency infodrog advises pregnant people not to use psychoactive substances. Which concrete effects cannabis has on an unborn child is clarified by a doctor in a personal conversation.

What the recommendation covers

The DHS names three phases of life: trying for a child, pregnancy and breastfeeding. In all three cases it recommends avoiding cannabis.

What the Swiss specialist agency advises

The specialist agency infodrog advises pregnant people to avoid cannabis, alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive substances. The recommendation therefore applies to several substances at once. An overview of the risks of use is in the article on the health effects of cannabis.

Trying for a child: start early

If you are trying for a child, it is worth ending use early, well before any positive test. The DHS deliberately starts its recommendation already when trying for a child. Anyone who changes early has more time to get support and does not have to decide under time pressure.

Breastfeeding: a clear recommendation

The DHS also recommends abstaining during breastfeeding. The best person to discuss the effects of cannabis on the breastfed child is a midwife or a doctor. The recommendation is clear; the finer details belong in a personal conversation.

If a pregnancy is already under way

Anyone who is pregnant and has used or is using cannabis should tell their gynaecologist openly. Openness helps to find suitable support and is important for medical care. No one needs to feel condemned for seeking a conversation.

Stopping: what to keep in mind

Anyone who wants to stop should discuss this with a doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can occur, and their extent varies considerably from person to person. Drugcom names sleep problems and strange dreams as examples. These symptoms are unpleasant. They are a good reason for a supportive conversation, though they give no reason to keep using.

The article on psychological dependence explains how a craving shows itself and what makes up psychological dependence.

Who the recommendation applies to

The recommendation is directed at people trying for a child, pregnant people and people who are breastfeeding. Anyone who is pregnant without knowing it should also take the recommendation seriously. The DHS names these phases of life as the reason, and does not tie them to a particular age.

If you used cannabis before the pregnancy

Some people use before they know they are pregnant. Nobody needs to condemn themselves for this. What matters is that from the moment you know, you stop using and speak with a doctor. The recommendation then applies to the future, and care can be adjusted accordingly.

Why support can help

Anyone worried about their own use finds help in a factual conversation. A counselling service can show which steps now make sense, and can help organise support in your surroundings. This also applies to partners who share the everyday load.

Who clarifies what: doctors and midwives

The gynaecologist accompanies the pregnancy and answers questions about examinations. A midwife accompanies you during breastfeeding and the postnatal period and can clarify practical questions. For questions about use and withdrawal, a doctor with experience in addiction is a good contact. The specialists can work together if you wish.

Preparing for a break

Stopping is easier if you plan it. Note the situations in which you have used so far, and consider which alternatives work for those moments. Speak to a trusted person who supports you. Also plan how you will handle craving, because the sources describe a strong craving as the main feature of psychological dependence.

According to drugcom, sleep problems and strange dreams are among the possible symptoms. Raise them early, so that the doctor can accompany you.

What matters during breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, two people are involved. Every decision about use should therefore be discussed with a specialist who keeps both in view. Anyone who is breastfeeding should not try things out alone. A conversation with the midwife or doctor before a decision is made is better.

Talking with your partner

A pregnancy often affects the whole surroundings. An open conversation with your partner helps to carry responsibility together. The aim is shared planning and support. Blame has no place in it.

Questions for the conversation with the doctor

• What consequences does the use so far have for the current pregnancy or breastfeeding?
• Which examinations make sense now?
• What support is available if I want to stop?
• Which points of contact are there near me?

What you can do now

• When trying for a child: avoid cannabis before you become pregnant.
• During pregnancy: tell your gynaecologist what you have used or are still using.
• During breastfeeding: abstain and clarify questions with a midwife or doctor.
• If you cannot end use on your own: When professional help makes sense.

For a confidential conversation, you can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031. More on prevention and youth protection is available under Prevention and youth protection.