**Week 1: Conception**
* Cannabis use during conception may increase the risk of birth defects and other pregnancy complications.
**Week 2-4: Early Pregnancy**
* Cannabis use in early pregnancy may lead to placental abruption, premature birth, and miscarriage.
* THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus.
**Week 5-8: Embryonic Development**
* Cannabis use during this period can affect the development of the fetus’s brain, heart, and other organs.
* THC exposure has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
**Week 9-12: Fetal Growth**
* Continued cannabis use can impair the fetus’s growth and development.
* THC exposure has been associated with lower birth weight, smaller head circumference, and developmental delays.
**Week 13-16: Second Trimester**
* Regular cannabis use during the second trimester may increase the risk of placental abruption, premature birth, and low birth weight.
* THC can accumulate in the fetus’s tissues, potentially leading to long-term developmental problems.
**Week 17-20: Fetal Movement**
* Cannabis use during this period can affect the fetus’s activity levels and coordination.
* THC exposure has been linked to an increased risk of fetal distress and other pregnancy complications.
**Week 21-24: Third Trimester**
* Continued cannabis use in the third trimester can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
* THC exposure during this period may also affect the fetus’s respiratory and neurological development.
**Week 25-28: Fetal Maturation**
* Regular cannabis use during this period can impair the fetus’s ability to regulate its temperature and glucose levels.
* THC exposure has been linked to an increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and other health problems.
**Week 29-32: Final Preparations**
* Discontinuing cannabis use before birth can help reduce the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome and other complications.
* THC can remain in the mother’s body for several weeks after last use, so it’s important to avoid breastfeeding if you have recently used cannabis.
**Week 33-36: Labor and Delivery**
* Heavy cannabis use during pregnancy may increase the risk of a prolonged or difficult labor.
* THC exposure can affect the fetus’s response to pain and other stimuli during birth.
**Week 37-40: Postpartum Period**
* Newborns exposed to cannabis during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as jitteriness, irritability, and feeding difficulties.
* These symptoms typically subside within a few days to weeks, but long-term effects on the child’s development are still being studied.
**Conclusion**
Abstaining from cannabis use during pregnancy is the safest option for both the mother and the developing fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s crucial to avoid using cannabis and seek professional guidance if necessary..
