New Study Finds Marijuana Harmful to Fetus When Taken in First Trimester of Pregnancy – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

A new study is revealing the significant health impact marijuana could have on a fetus in a woman’s first trimester of pregnancy.

On May 16, the College of Medicine at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant released findings from their study showing how marijuana use during the early stages of pregnancy could affect fetal development.

“That’s why these findings are especially important—people can often be well into the first trimester and don’t even know they are pregnant,” lead author Beth Bailey told CNN. “Our study drills down to look very specifically at a specific time point in pregnancy—the first trimester.”

“We found a significant decrease in birth weight of 154 grams. In terms of pounds, it’s about a third of a pound,” she added.

Though just slight decreases in weight, they can be early signs of health and behavioral issues as children grow and develop.

“These kids are more prone to developmental delays, higher rates of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, and have higher rates of emotional problems,” Bailey said.

The results worsen if marijuana use is continued throughout the pregnancy. Results include decreased birth rate and reduced head circumference, which could be a sign the brain didn’t develop properly during pregnancy.

“Even when pregnant people stopped using marijuana by the third trimester, the babies were born with a smaller head circumference of about 1 centimeter (0.4…