More people are talking about cannabis use during pregnancy than ever before. Whether you're pregnant, planning, or just curious, you might be wondering: is cannabis actually safe to use while expecting? Thanks to new research published in JAMA Pediatrics, we now have more answers—and some important things to consider. In this blog, we break down the latest findings and how they can help you make informed decisions during pregnancy.

Cannabis is often viewed as a natural way to ease anxiety, nausea, or sleep troubles. But is it safe during pregnancy? A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics sheds new light on the risks associated with prenatal cannabis use—and the findings are worth paying attention to.

The 2025 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that cannabis use during pregnancy was linked to a twofold increase in the risk of gestational hypertension and a 90% higher likelihood of excess pregnancy weight gain. These are major red flags when it comes to pregnancy health—especially since both conditions carry long-term risks for parent and baby.

Gestational hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Left untreated, it can progress to preeclampsia—a life-threatening condition affecting both the birthing parent and baby. The new research suggests that cannabis may contribute to this risk by affecting how the placenta develops and functions.

While weight gain during pregnancy is expected and healthy, gaining too much can increase the risk of complications like gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. The study found that pregnant individuals using cannabis were more likely to exceed recommended weight guidelines, possibly due to cannabis’s known effects on appetite and metabolism.

Medical organizations like ACOG recommend avoiding cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential developmental impacts and pregnancy complications. If you're using it to manage anxiety, nausea, or sleep, talk to your provider—there are safer alternatives available that won’t carry the same risks for your baby.

Major medical organizations like ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) advise against cannabis use during pregnancy due to potential risks. If you're using cannabis to manage symptoms, talk with your provider about safer, evidence-based options.

If you're pregnant or planning to be, it's normal to have questions about what’s safe and what’s not. This new research adds to a growing body of evidence that cannabis use during pregnancy can carry real risks. That doesn’t mean you need to feel ashamed or judged—it means you deserve real information and real support.

At Nurtured Nest, we believe in empowering parents with evidence-based tools, not fear tactics. That’s why our online childbirth course includes a full guide on cannabis and pregnancy—so you can make informed, confident decisions for yourself and your baby.

Explore More Support from Nurtured Nest:
- Get the complete Childbirth Course with Cannabis & Pregnancy Guide →
- Learn infant safety in our Infant Safety & CPR course
- Understand baby’s development in Baby’s First Year
- Meet the Nurtured Nest educator team

Cannabis may be natural, but that doesn’t always mean it’s safe—especially during pregnancy. The data continues to evolve, but studies like the one from JAMA Pediatrics are giving us clearer insight into how prenatal cannabis use can affect both the birthing parent and the baby.

If you're weighing your options or just want trusted, research-backed answers, Nurtured Nest is here to help. Our Childbirth Course includes a comprehensive Cannabis & Pregnancy Guide, plus tools to support every phase of your prenatal experience—from birth plans to mental health.

Speak with your healthcare provider to ask questions about symptoms, research, and safe practices. But remember: you deserve real answers rooted in both science and compassion.