When my husband and I thought we had completed our family, we were ready to embrace a new chapter in life. Yet, as we began searching for a bigger home to accommodate our growing kids, a wave of unease washed over me. My body felt clammy and unsteady, and a familiar, unsettling nausea crept in. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, even though I dismissed the idea that I could be pregnant while on the Depo-Provera shot for three years. But reality hit hard—yes, I was expecting again.
As thrilled as I was, the onset of morning sickness loomed like a dark cloud. Each pregnancy had brought increasingly severe bouts of nausea, and I had taken precautions to avoid having another child. However, here I was, unprepared for a fourth pregnancy, feeling like a contestant in a game I didn’t want to play.
Compounding my troubles was my struggle with degenerative disc disease, a condition that threatened my spine. When marijuana became a legal option in Michigan, I applied for my medical license to manage my pain. Unfortunately, being pregnant complicated things; the slight risk of THC crossing the placenta weighed heavily on my mind.
Upon confessing my situation to my OB-GYN, he prescribed Zofran and prenatal vitamins, hoping the end of my first trimester would bring relief. But as the weeks passed, the nausea only intensified. My journey morphed into a desperate search for remedies, from ancient tales to modern myths about easing pregnancy sickness.
By my second appointment, I had lost seven pounds, and my doctor increased my Zofran dosage. He reassured me that most women begin to feel better after the first trimester. However, I quickly learned that I was not one of those lucky women. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness.
As I reached my fourth appointment, my weight loss escalated to 14 pounds, and I was surviving on a liquid diet. Despite my efforts, everything I consumed seemed to come back up. My doctor grew concerned and moved my ultrasound up to 18 weeks, along with additional tests, which confirmed that my baby was small for gestational age.
I needed a solution fast, especially with three kids at home and no outside help. I turned to the one treatment I hadn’t tried yet: medical marijuana. It was a decision that could change everything for me and my unborn child. After discussing it with my doctor, who was initially hesitant but ultimately supportive, I got the green light to give it a try. I had four weeks to gain back some weight, or I’d face hospitalization.
Upon returning home, I rolled my first joint in weeks. For the first time in 20 long weeks, I felt relief. Cooking no longer felt like a battle, and I could finally enjoy food again without the overwhelming urge to vomit. I quickly established a regimen, consuming low-THC strains like White Rhino and Grape Ape, focusing on balance to minimize exposure to my baby.
Despite the stigma that still surrounds marijuana use, especially during pregnancy, I stood firm in my choice. I was well-informed and had considered the risks. The most important thing was ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and the debilitating nausea had made that nearly impossible.
By 18 weeks, I had gained 28 pounds, and my daughter was born after a short labor, weighing a healthy 6 pounds, 3 ounces. I couldn’t have been prouder of my decision or the miracle of that plant.
Today, my daughter is a lively 4-year-old, and I often reflect on how the plant that helped me through my darkest days has also nurtured her into a joyful, spirited child.
For anyone navigating similar challenges, I encourage you to explore your options, and you can find more information about home insemination and related topics at this resource. Additionally, check out this link for expert advice on home kits. If you want to learn more about assisted reproductive technology, visit the CDC’s page.
Summary
In this article, Jessica Lane shares her personal experience of using medical marijuana to treat severe morning sickness during her pregnancy. After facing the challenges of hyperemesis gravidarum, she found relief and a healthier pregnancy through cannabis, despite societal stigma. Her story highlights the importance of informed choices and the need for supportive resources during pregnancy.