The updated meta-analysis and systematic review of more than a dozen studies confirms the negative effects of cannabis on neonates.
There is still a disconnect between women’s knowledge of the potential harms of marijuana use and their awareness of other risks, such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University and Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System updated an earlier review of the issue, adding eight new studies, with more than 1,7 million participants. This brings the total to 51 studies.
Researchers focused on:
- Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation)
- The small for gestational (SGA),
- Low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g)
- Perinatal mortality – the death of a fetus or newborn around the time of birth.
They found moderate-certainty evidence cannabis use in pregnancy was associated with increased odds of LBW, PTBÂ and SGA. Although there is only low certainty that cannabis use in pregnancy increases the odds of perinatal death, it was classified previously as a very low risk.
Researchers concluded that:
The current meta-analysis found that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with increased odds of PTB and SGA. This was true even when the co-usage of tobacco products had been adjusted. Confidence in this finding has grown from low to moderate.
Their findings, say the researchers, could inform future policies on public health and patient counselling.
Full report has been published JAMA Pediatrics is a journal that publishes research on children.
According to a recent Columbia University study, based on data that is a few years old, the rate of cannabis consumption during pregnancy appears to be rising along with cannabis use disorders (CUDs). A study published by Columbia University found that the prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy ranged between 0.22% in 2015 and 0.27% in 2018 and 2019. Another recent study suggests a link between cannabis use and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) – aka morning sickness.
In a second study, conducted by the University of Georgia College of Public Health, approximately 6% of the pregnant women surveyed reported that they had used marijuana during the month prior. In this research, 70.9% percent of pregnant women said they did not see any risks associated with marijuana usage.