As more states legalize cannabis for medical or recreational purposes its use during pregnancy is increasing, along with the potential for abuse or dependence.
“The biggest limiting factor in getting to remission from depression postpartum is access to care, period—and it is worse for people who don’t have financial resources,” says Dr. Catherine Monk.
“Gestational surrogacy can allow tens of thousands of prospective parents to have children. States should support rather than block the creation of such families,” writes Dr. Robert Klitzman.
During pregnancy, hormone levels increase between six- and eight-fold, then in 24 hours after delivery they are gone. “That’s a real jolt to the central nervous system,” says Dr. Margaret G. Spinelli.
Some reports show that, “suicide and drug overdose actually cause more deaths than postpartum hemorrhage, cardiovascular events or other pregnancy-related medical problems,” says Dr. Kimberly Mangla.
A new study from researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons suggests that prenatal exposure to flame retardants may increase the risk of reading problems.