Why+an+expecting+mother+may+use+marijuana+during+pregnancy?

= Why an expecting mother may use marijuana during pregnancy? =

=== It is evident that with any form of drug abuse there are reasons why it is being used. Before any judgments or assumptions are made with the use of drug there should be careful consideration about why the individual uses it. This is no exception for women whom are pregnant and may be using some form of a narcotic. === === Although marijuana is an illegal substance and may also be considered a teratogen, it is still considered a good thing for population of pregnant women. It is quite evident that for a woman by the name of Erin Hildebrandt, the intake of marijuana helped to save 4 of her children’s lives. During the first stage of Erin’s first pregnancy she made the conscious choice to take out any recreational or harmful drugs such as alcohol and caffeine. Not long after discovering she was pregnant, she began to have such severe morning sickness that not only did she lose weight; it also resulted in her having to be hospitalized. To get rid of the sickness she tried numerous things such as wristband, herbs and meditation. Following the hospitalization due to dehydration and headaches that occurred on a number of occasions, she had to give birth through a caesarean section. Her first son was only 4 pounds and 14 ounces. === === Shortly after the birth of her first son, Erin and her husband were expecting a second child. During this pregnancy they made sure to find the best local perinatologist and things started out positive, however in a short period of time she began to be violently ill again. Erin had heard of women smoking marijuana to get rid of morning sickness, although she didn’t really believe it until a friend mentioned that it won’t be any worse if she tries. Erin had already lost 30 pounds and she was 32 weeks in so she made the decision that this may be one of the only ways her second child will survive. Erin smoked the marijuana and right after ate a meal without throwing it all up. Ten weeks after Erin first began using the substance she gained 17 pounds back and then gave birth to a healthy 9 pound 2 ounce son. For Erin’s next three pregnancies she used this method and each time she gained a healthy amount of weight and ate birth each baby was 8-9 pounds. === === This individual’s experience during pregnancy revealed that for her, marijuana use was necessary in the health of 4 of her children as well as herself. The use of this drug prevented her from having to travel to the hospital every time that she was violently ill. ===

