In recent years, the use of cannabis during pregnancy has been on the rise in the United States, largely due to increasing legalization and a growing perception of safety. Many pregnant individuals turn to cannabis to alleviate symptoms like morning sickness, stress, and pain, viewing it as a safer alternative to prescription medications. However, a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine sheds light on the potential risks associated with prenatal cannabis use, particularly its effects on maternal health.
The Study: An Overview
Conducted by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and the University of California, San Francisco, the study aimed to explore whether prenatal cannabis use is linked to adverse maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. The population-based retrospective cohort study included 316,722 pregnancies in Northern California from January 2011 to December 2019. The researchers evaluated prenatal cannabis use through self-reports and toxicology tests conducted at around 8-10 weeks of gestation.
Key Findings
The study revealed that prenatal cannabis use is associated with several negative maternal health outcomes. Notably, cannabis use during pregnancy was linked to increased risks of:
- Gestational Hypertension: Pregnant individuals who used cannabis had a 17% higher risk of developing gestational hypertension compared to those who did not use cannabis.
- Preeclampsia: The risk of preeclampsia, a severe form of hypertension that can lead to serious complications, was 8% higher among cannabis users.
- Gestational Weight Gain Outside Guidelines: Both insufficient and excessive weight gain during pregnancy were more common among cannabis users. The risk of gaining less than the recommended weight was 5% higher, while the risk of gaining more than the recommended weight was 9% higher.
- Placental Abruption: The study found a 19% higher risk of placental abruption, a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, among those who used cannabis during pregnancy.
Interestingly, the study also found a decreased risk of gestational diabetes among cannabis users, with a risk reduction of 11%. However, the researchers caution that this finding requires further investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Implications and Future Research
Dr. Kelly C. Young-Wolff, the lead author of the study, emphasized the complexity of the relationship between prenatal cannabis use and maternal health. “Our findings suggest that the use of cannabis during pregnancy can lead to several adverse health outcomes for the mother,” said Dr. Young-Wolff. “Given the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant individuals, it is crucial to continue researching its effects to provide clear guidelines and support for expecting mothers.”
The study’s results highlight the need for further research to explore how different factors, such as the dose, mode, and timing of cannabis use, might influence these health outcomes. Additionally, there is a need to investigate the potential long-term effects on both maternal and fetal health.
Conclusion
As cannabis legalization continues to expand, it is essential for healthcare providers to understand and communicate the potential risks of prenatal cannabis use to their patients. This study provides valuable insights that can inform clinical guidelines and public health policies aimed at ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and their babies.
For expecting mothers considering or currently using cannabis, it is advised to discuss their use with healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully. As always, making informed decisions in consultation with medical professionals is the best approach to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and positive outcomes for both mother and child.
References
Young-Wolff, K. C., Adams, S. R., Alexeeff, S. E., Zhu, Y., Chojolan, E., Slama, N. E., Does, M. B., Silver, L. D., Ansley, D., Castellanos, C. L., & Avalos, L. A. (2024). Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Pregnancy Outcomes. JAMA Internal Medicine. Published online July 22, 2024. DOI:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.3270.
