Is it safe to take K2 while pregnant?
When a woman becomes pregnant, every substance she comes into contact with can affect the unborn baby. Substances like over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and prescription medications can all potentially affect a growing fetus. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women abstain from using drugs as much as possible.
K2 is a synthetic form of marijuana with potent THC analogs. In most cases, K2 needs to be smoked in order to achieve its desired effect. Because K2 has several synthetic cannabinoids that can be 20 times more potent than THC, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using K2. If you are considering becoming pregnant, cease using K2 for several weeks before attempting to conceive. This is important because a developing fetus may be impacted by the properties of K2 right after conception.
How does K2 affect a fetus?
According to a study done by Texas A&M University, the effects of smoking K2 while pregnant can be devastating to a newborn baby.
Dr. Delphine Psychoyos, author of the Texas A&M study stated, “These psychoactive chemicals [of K2] can interfere with the first stages in the formation of the brain of the fetus; this event occurs two weeks after conception, earlier than first signs of pregnancy appear.”
The study found that extremely potent drugs that are used by pregnant women can lead to a condition known as anencephaly. This condition causes babies to be born missing large parts of their brains or skulls. Exposure to K2 can also result in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, memory problems, aggression, anxiety, and depression in babies that can last until their teenage years.
Other studies have indicated that exposure to synthetic marijuana such as K2 during pregnancy could produce connectivity deficits during cortical development. This can lead to what researchers coin a “disjointed” brain in a newborn baby.
For these reasons, it is important for pregnant women or women who are interested in becoming pregnant to avoid smoking K2 and other synthetic marijuana derivatives. These products can produce dangerous effects in babies that can last for their entire lives.
Do you or someone you love have questions or concerns about a pregnancy and don’t know where to turn for help? Get support and answers at the American Pregnancy Association at 1-800-672-2296.
If you are having trouble quitting K2, The Recovery Village is here to help. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with addiction, do not delay in seeking the help you need. The Recovery Village has resources and general information for those who are interested in beginning the road to recovery. You can also search for treatment programs in your state and local area by following this link.
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The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.