We know that the chemicals in marijuana are transported to the developing fetus through the placenta. There seems to be a disruption of the placenta function, which may explain the increase in miscarriages, stillbirths and deaths soon after birth. Visible birth defects, such as limb malformations, have not been reported in humans. Recent clinical studies of newborns born to mothers who were marijuana smokers show subtle defects in the central nervous system. These babies show abnormal reactions to light and sound, exhibit tremors and startles, and have the high-pitched cry associated with drug withdrawal.
Scientists are concerned about the long-term effects of marijuana on the unborn child.
Occurring at five times the rate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Marijuana Syndrome is a growing concern of many doctors. Concern that maternal marijuana use during pregnancy may be linked with nonlymphoblastic leukemia in children is also rising. Furthermore, doctors worry that children born to marijuana-using mothers will have learning disabilities, attention deficits and hormonal irregularities as they grow older, even if there are no apparent signs of damage at birth. Pregnant or nursing mothers who smoke marijuana should talk to their doctors immediately.