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Pregnancy Complications Increased Due To Dangerous Habit

New research reveals a modest yet significant increase in the risk of serious obstetric complications for pregnant women who use marijuana. Analyzing data from nearly 317,000 pregnancies in California, the study found that marijuana use during pregnancy is associated with higher chances of developing conditions such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, excessive weight gain, and placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.

Published on July 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study highlights the limited understanding of how prenatal cannabis use impacts maternal health outcomes. Previous research has already suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy may increase risks for low birth weight, preterm birth, and the need for neonatal intensive care.

Despite these risks, some pregnant women use cannabis to manage issues like sleep disturbances, depression, stress, morning sickness, and pain, often believing it to be a safer alternative to prescription medications. Led by Kelly Young-Wolff from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, the study examined the medical records of over 250,000 pregnant women in northern California, including multiple pregnancies for some women. The researchers assessed marijuana use based on self-reports or toxicology tests.

The study found that 6.3% of the women used cannabis during their pregnancy, with only a small fraction using it daily (0.6%) or weekly (0.7%). The research linked prenatal cannabis use to a 17% increased risk of gestational hypertension and an 8% increased risk of preeclampsia. The likelihood of gestational hypertension rose with the frequency of cannabis use. Additionally, marijuana use was associated with a 19% increased risk of placental abruption and an increased likelihood of abnormal weight gain during pregnancy.

Interestingly, the study found a slight decrease in the risk of gestational diabetes among women who used marijuana, though the reasons for this are not fully understood. The findings underscore the need for non-stigmatizing education and support to help pregnant individuals make informed decisions about cannabis use.