The question at hand concerns the potential risks associated with smoking marijuana during pregnancy.
In recent studies, the potential risks and side effects of marijuana use during pregnancy have come under scrutiny. The research highlights several concerns, primarily focusing on negative birth outcomes and maternal complications.
One of the key findings is an increased risk of preterm birth. Prenatal cannabis use leads to a roughly 52% higher risk of delivering babies prematurely, according to several studies [1][3]. Low birth weight is another concern, with babies exposed to cannabis in utero being more likely to have low birth weight, with odds elevated by about 75% [1][3][5].
The use of marijuana during pregnancy is also associated with a 29% increased risk of infant death either during pregnancy or shortly after birth [1]. Furthermore, studies indicate that babies exposed to cannabis prenatally have a higher incidence of birth defects [2].
Pregnant women using cannabis are more likely to experience gestational diabetes, cesarean section delivery, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, abnormal weight gain during pregnancy, and placental abruption [2][4]. Infants exposed to cannabis tend to have poorer health status at birth, though some results vary by study and species examined [5].
However, some studies note that smoking itself, regardless of cannabis, raises pregnancy risks, complicating interpretation. The ingestion method (smoking versus edibles) also impacts findings [2].
Given these findings, health professionals strongly advise against marijuana use during pregnancy, emphasising the importance of clear public health messaging to counter misconceptions about the perceived safety of cannabis in pregnancy [1][2]. The increased legalization and availability of cannabis have contributed to mixed patient perceptions and insufficient counseling by healthcare providers.
The CDC warns that THC, a compound found in marijuana, can affect a fetus's growth and development. Prenatal marijuana exposure can also be linked to lower birth weight, especially in women who smoke cigarettes as well as marijuana [4].
No research exists to prove that using marijuana to combat pregnancy-induced nausea is safe or effective. The effects of vaping and consuming edibles on a fetus are not yet determined [2].
In the U.S., pregnant women can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 24-hour treatment referral line at 800-662-HELP (4357) for help [5]. Researchers are trying to determine when marijuana is safe to use, but for now, abstaining from cannabis during pregnancy is recommended to minimise these risks.
The 2013 study by the National Institutes of Health found a 2.3 times higher risk of stillbirth associated with marijuana use during pregnancy [1]. Research on marijuana use during pregnancy is limited due to ethical issues and a lack of large-scale studies [2].
Women who are having difficulty quitting marijuana during pregnancy should speak to a doctor or seek professional support [5]. The CDC, NIDA, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not recommend using marijuana during pregnancy due to the potential risks [2].
It is important to note that marijuana is an illicit drug that some women take during pregnancy. Some potential effects of prenatal marijuana exposure, according to 2017 research, include impaired fetal growth, increased rates of preterm delivery, increased rates of stillbirth, and potential neurodevelopmental issues [2]. Possible side effects of marijuana use during pregnancy include low birth weight, difficulty maintaining body temperature, breathing problems, and a higher likelihood of requiring a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.
In summary, the consensus from recent large-scale studies and meta-analyses indicates that marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, higher infant mortality, birth defects, and maternal complications. Abstaining from cannabis during pregnancy is currently recommended to minimise these risks.
- The link between marijuana use during pregnancy and sickness is a significant concern, as it increases the risk of preterm birth by about 52% and low birth weight by approximately 75%.
- Pregnant women who use marijuana also face a higher risk of experiencing health-and-wellness issues such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abruption.
- The use of marijuana during pregnancy can lead to more severe complications like higher infant mortality and birth defects, according to research by the National Institutes of Health, the CDC, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- In the morning, expecting mothers should be cautious about blocked pathways to health-and-wellness, as marijuana, even when used for nausea and vomiting, may pose risks to their unborn child's wellbeing.
