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PAGE 11 September/October 2020 PAGE 15 September/October 2020 by their clinician. Research done by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also found that some doctors don't warn women of the dangers of cannabis use during pregnancy when they disclose their usage. Cannabis is sometimes suggested as a natural remedy to pregnancy-related nausea. However, research shows that babies who were exposed to cannabis in the womb were more likely to have a lower birth rate, be premature, and be transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Research also shows that the placenta is more likely to detach from the uterine wall among expectant mothers who use cannabis, depriving the fetus of oxygen. The newborns also score lower in their neonatal status evaluations. Later in life, children who were exposed to cannabis in the womb have been shown to have behavioral challenges and poor academic performance at school. It's important for pregnant women to understand that neither drinking nor using cannabis while pregnant are low-risk activities, at any capacity. Each significantly affects unborn children and should be avoided. However, the fact that women are more comfortable with admitting to their substance use during pregnancy means they are more likely to discuss these things with their physicians and get the support that they need. Due to punitive laws, even in states where medical and recreational cannabis are legal, pregnant women often fail to disclose their usage or avoid prenatal care altogether to circumvent legal trouble. Consequently, it's possible that punishing pregnant women who struggle with substances does much more harm than good in the long run. Additionally, women of color and women with low-incomes are more likely to be targeted by such laws than their white and/or more affluent counterparts who also drink alcohol and smoke cannabis while pregnant. Therefore, experts encourage pregnant women to learn about their legal rights if they are dealing with substance abuse. Many resources exist for women who believe they need help managing substance use during pregnancy, and it's never too late to get help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment facility locator helps people find drug and alcohol treatment programs in their area, and those struggling with alcohol abuse can locate an A.A. program near them. Any effort made gives the child a chance at a higher quality of life and better health. In the case of alcohol addiction, healthcare providers, therapists, or other local treatment centers are substantial places to look toward for help. Pregnant women struggling to cease cannabis use should talk to their physician or therapist for alternate ways to manage nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and a host of other ailments medical marijuana is thought to relieve. (© Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com) While tobacco and opioid abuse has always been frowned upon during pregnancy, there is a steady rise in pregnant women who drink alcohol and smoke marijuana while carrying a child.