Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jul 2015
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2015 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Authors: Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen
Note: Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of The Dr. Oz Show, and Mike Roizen, 
M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at 
Cleveland Clinic.
Page: 24

PREGNANT AND SMOKING POT? COOL IT!

Alanis Morissette, the Canadian songstress who penned the tune "Mary 
Jane," admits to using pot in the past to juice up her creativity. 
But when she became pregnant - her son Ever is four now - she gave up the weed.

"You Oughta Know" what she knows: Smoking pot while you're pregnant 
or breastfeeding is dangerous for your fetus and your child.

Studies show that when you expose your fetus to marijuana, chances 
are your child will have lower test scores on visual problem-solving, 
visual analysis, and visual and motor coordination, plus behavioral 
problems and a decreased attention span. These are lifelong handicaps.

Unfortunately, according to a recent report from the American College 
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, marijuana is the most commonly 
used illicit (in some places) drug during pregnancy, with roughly 
half of female marijuana users continuing to smoke it while pregnant.

Self-reported prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy ranges 
from two to five per cent of all pregnant women and 15 to 28 per cent 
of young, economically deprived urban women. Switching to edible pot 
may not be less hazardous for your offspring; the psychoactive 
chemicals still go into your bloodstream and then into the fetus's. A 
recent report shows 25 per cent of the legal products deliver a lot 
more of pot's active ingredient, THC, than their label says!

If you want to mellow out while you're pregnant, we suggest yoga for 
pregnant women (details at www.sharecare.com) or a stress-reduction 
app for your smartphone.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom