Alarming Connection Found Between Cannabis Use And Pregnancy

Drugs should not be used at all during pregnancy.

Using marijuana during pregnancy may pose risks to the health of babies, and the risk appears to increase with higher usage, according to a recent study analyzing data from over 9,000 expectant mothers across the United States. The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found a correlation between cannabis exposure during pregnancy and adverse outcomes, particularly low birth weight. Dr. Torri Metz, the study’s lead author and a high-risk obstetrician at the University of Utah Health, emphasized that the risk escalates with increased cannabis use during pregnancy, underscoring the recommendation against marijuana use in this context.

The study assessed the impact of marijuana use on various negative outcomes such as low birth weight, medically induced preterm birth, stillbirth, and pregnancy-related high blood pressure. The researchers noted a nearly 30% rise in risk for those who used cannabis while pregnant. Since these outcomes are linked to placental function, and prior research indicated negative effects of cannabis exposure on the placenta, the study aimed to understand the collective impact on mothers and infants.

When examining individual outcomes, the study found a 50% increase in the risk of low birth weight. While there were increased risks of stillbirth, neonatal intensive care admission, and complications, these associations did not reach statistical significance, suggesting the possibility of chance influencing the results. Infants with low birth weight, defined as smaller than 95% of other babies, may face potential health risks, such as obesity, later in life.

The study builds on the findings of a 2021 study highlighting health problems in children born to mothers who were heavy cannabis users during pregnancy. The research comes amid the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in an increasing number of states.

To conduct the study, researchers analyzed data from a previous study that tracked first-time mothers-to-be from 2010 to 2013. The study participants provided urine samples during each trimester, enabling researchers to document cannabis use throughout pregnancy. Notably, the researchers could identify and measure the amount of cannabis used during pregnancy, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of its impact.

Despite its valuable insights, the study has limitations, including a lack of information on why mothers-to-be used cannabis and the exact timing of usage. The research community emphasizes the need for further studies with larger sample sizes and more detailed information to better understand the potential adverse effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.