Cannabis

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Using cannabis while pregnant can be harmful to your baby before and after birth. Cannabis can pass through the placenta to your growing baby. It can also pass from breastmilk to your baby during breastfeeding.

Cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause:

lower birth weight
problems with brain development, learning, and behaviour
problems with sleep and self-soothing (how babies calm themselves)
slower growth

If you use cannabis while breastfeeding, it may:

change your mood
change how you make decisions (your judgment)

There is no known safe amount of cannabis to use while breastfeeding. It's safer not to use cannabis when you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Find out more about the effects of cannabis.

Current as of: October 16, 2019

Author: Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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