Being pregnant comes with a slew of uncertainties, especially with regard to what’s okay to ingest in the event you're not feeling well. Prior to becoming pregnant, I was never a fan of using over-the-counter or prescribed medicines and preferred more holistic methods. When I became pregnant I almost became paranoid that if ever I was sick I was just going to have to feel like complete sh*t for the sake of my baby.
In my first trimester, I began experiencing abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. I was extremely hot to the touch but cold with chattering teeth.
I knew that I was going to have to go to the emergency room because I needed to know that, at least, my baby was okay. After a few tests and an IV (due to dehydration) I was told that I had a viral infection. I was put on a breathing machine, as a result of the “wheezing” my doctor said that I was doing. She even gave me an inhaler (Albuterol) which made me feel self-conscious having never had asthma a day in my life. I was also not comfortable with inhaling a steroid that early in my pregnancy. She also offered me Tylenol, which I rejected due to not fully knowing how or if it would affect the baby somehow.
I had learned to grin and bear during migraines caused by dehydration or extreme nausea with no actual upchuck. Herbal tea with honey had become a routine or I would merely take baths in essential oils, then lie in the dark attempting to force myself asleep. However, during my last trimester, I received a pain that scared me to no end. The abdominal pain had come back but with a vengeance. Because my husband and I were abroad and it was late at night, I wasn't completely sold on going to the hospital.
My husband, who's a recreational cannabis user, had already done his own research on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
We would often watch a YouTube series called Cannabis Moms Club that was a comical spin on how moms used marijuana to help them relax and feel more focused to tackle life at home. He would often tell me to try it, and although I wasn't completely against the idea, I hadn't bothered to partake. On this particular occasion, my husband had been smoking on our patio when I came stumbling into the living room of our rented flat. I began telling him about the pain I was feeling and informed him that my doctor said these pains were normal and to monitor baby movement.
The baby hadn't been doing anything abnormal, but the pain was worse than any period cramp I had ever experienced in the past. I told my husband I would just lay in the fetal position until it stopped. Afterward, I could hear him listening to a video about medicinal cannabis use during pregnancy. He came in the room and offered me to smoke. I told him, “No”. We continued listening to the video together and he made me another offer. He told me he could blow me a “shotgun.” A shotgun is when someone inhales the smoke from whatever apparatus (in our case my husband's “peace pipe”/bong) and blows the smoke directly into your mouth.
The impact of a shotgun is less fiery than inhaling the smoke directly. I obliged because the pain began to grow excruciating and I was tired of my husband’s by-the-way-did-you-know’s regarding medical marijuana. Within minutes I was completely absolved of my abdominal pain. My husband began to ask me how I felt and laughs till this day by recollecting my quizzical response of “I don't remember.” I don't remember that response but certainly do remember the pain coming to a halt and having a fantastic sleep throughout the night.
Fast forwarding to the end of my pregnancy, I had not felt anymore pains that needed medicinal attention.
It was merely biding the time until our precious baby would make him/herself present. We were in Szczecin, Poland, where my husband happened by a vegan store that had cannabis-infused products. As a gag gift, he brought me a lollipop that had a nice green-colored marijuana leaf pictured on the front. I rolled my eyes and placed it on the nightstand next to our bed.
The night my contractions began, I thought I was experiencing Braxton Hicks because my due date wasn't for another week. I ran myself a hot shower and began to sit and allow the water to run down my belly. As the hours began to pass, the pain began to intensify. I knew that I was in active labor. Because we were having a home birth, I wasn't opting for an epidural or medicine of any kind.
I also wanted to have access to food or drink, if I chose. But, I never ate or drank anything.
That is, until I looked over at my weed lollipop and suddenly just felt the need to have something sweet.
In the same way the shotgun performed, in minutes, the cannabis-infused lollipop went to work. Without being completely cognizant of its role, I had been sleeping in between contractions and waking up completely refreshed. No bullsh*t. I'd wake up as though I had taken a full afternoon nap and was ready for the next contraction.
I could truly care less about judgment or criticisms.
After 22 hours of labor, I gave birth to a health baby boy, and if I could go back would've made the same decision a million and one times over. Do I partake in cannabis, presently? No. But, I also understand the healing properties of cannabinoids without the effects of THC’s “high” feeling. There are many moms who smoke prior to knowing they're pregnant with no negative effects on their fetuses. There are also moms who affirm its use to combat PPD and baby blues. I would, personally, advocate any moms or soon-to-be moms to do their own research and see what fits best for them and their pregnancy.
