Pregnancy & Cannabis: Infant Complications Risk

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy: Emerging Risks and Future Trends

Is cannabis use during pregnancy safe? As cannabis legalization spreads, more pregnant individuals are turning to it for relief from nausea, insomnia, and pain. However,a recent,updated systematic review has raised significant concerns,suggesting that prenatal cannabis exposure may increase the odds of preterm birth,low birth weight,and,alarmingly,infant death. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics on May 5, 2025, underscores the urgent need for clear guidance and further research.

The rising Tide of Cannabis Use in Pregnancy

Despite federal illegality, cannabis remains a prevalent substance used during pregnancy. Unlike the declining rates of alcohol and nicotine use among pregnant individuals, cannabis consumption is on the rise. Many feel torn, seeking relief from pregnancy discomforts while questioning the safety for their developing child. This highlights a crucial gap in understanding and a pressing need for evidence-based advice.

Did You Know? A survey of pregnant women in Colorado revealed that nearly 20% reported using cannabis during pregnancy, with a significant portion believing it posed little to no risk to their baby.

Key Findings: What the Research Reveals

The systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 51 observational studies and over 21.1 million participants,sheds light on the potential adverse effects. Key findings include:

• Increased odds of low birth weight.
• Higher risk of preterm birth.
• Elevated likelihood of babies being small for their gestational age.
• Potentially increased risk of newborn mortality (though the certainty remains low).

These findings build on previous research, strengthening the evidence base and moving the certainty of some outcomes from “very-low-to-low” to “moderate”.

The Placental Connection: How Cannabis Impacts Fetal Progress

According to experts, these adverse outcomes indicate potential placental dysfunction. A compromised placenta can hinder the baby’s development and growth, leading to the complications observed in the studies. This underscores the importance of placental health for a successful pregnancy.

Pro Tip: If you are considering using cannabis during pregnancy for medical reasons,consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatments that are proven safe for both you and your baby.

Navigating Legalization: A Harm-reduction Approach

In states where cannabis is legal, medical professionals frequently enough adopt a harm-reduction strategy.While abstinence is ideal, it may not be realistic for all patients. Therefore,reducing the amount and frequency of cannabis use can help mitigate potential risks to the pregnancy and infant. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the complexities of patient choices while prioritizing safety.

Future Trends: What’s Next in Cannabis and Pregnancy Research?

as cannabis legalization evolves,expect to see more rigorous,longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on child development. Research will likely focus on:

• Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to cannabis in utero.
• The specific effects of different cannabis strains and dosages on pregnancy outcomes.
• The potential benefits and risks of using cannabis for specific pregnancy-related symptoms, such as severe hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Developing evidence-based guidelines for cannabis use during pregnancy for health professionals.

Furthermore, advancements in biomarker research may allow for more accurate assessment of cannabis exposure and its impact on placental function, leading to personalized risk assessments.

Comparative Risk Assessment: Cannabis vs. Other Substances

How does cannabis compare to other substances like alcohol and tobacco in terms of pregnancy risks? The following table provides a brief overview:

Substance	Known Risks During Pregnancy	Level of Evidence
Cannabis	Preterm birth, low birth weight, potential infant mortality	Moderate
Alcohol	Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, birth defects, miscarriage	High
Nicotine	Preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, stillbirth	High

While the evidence for cannabis-related risks is still emerging, alcohol and nicotine have well-established, severe consequences for fetal development.

Did You Know? Nonhuman primate studies have shown that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can disrupt placental function, mirroring findings in human observational studies.

Reader Question:

What are your thoughts on the role of dispensaries in providing accurate data about cannabis use during pregnancy? How can they better educate consumers?

Pro Tip: Document your cannabis use (strain, dosage, frequency) and openly discuss this information with your healthcare provider to enable informed decision-making and personalized care.

frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

Is any amount of cannabis use safe during pregnancy?

Currently,no safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy has been established. Abstinence is generally recommended.

What if I used cannabis before knowing I was pregnant?

Consult your healthcare provider. they can assess potential risks and provide guidance for a healthy pregnancy moving forward.

Are edibles safer than smoking cannabis during pregnancy?

No. Edibles can have unpredictable effects and may expose the fetus to high concentrations of THC. Both forms pose potential risks.

Where can I find more information about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy?

Talk to your healthcare provider, consult reputable medical websites, and review guidelines from organizations like the American Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

What are the potential long-term effects of cannabis use during pregnancy on the child’s cognitive development, beyond the outcomes mentioned in the interview?

Cannabis Use During pregnancy: an Interview with Dr. Aris Thorne, Perinatal Health Specialist

Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re discussing a critical and increasingly relevant topic: cannabis use during pregnancy. With the rise of cannabis legalization, more pregnant individuals are turning to it for managing various pregnancy-related symptoms. However,recent research highlights potential risks. To delve deeper, we have with us Dr. Aris Thorne, a leading Perinatal Health specialist. Dr. Thorne, thank you for joining us.

the Growing Concern: Cannabis and pregnancy

Archyde: Dr.Thorne, the latest research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, has raised significant concerns. Can you summarize the key findings for our readers?

Dr. Thorne: Certainly.The study, a systematic review and meta-analysis, examined over 21 million participants. The main worrying findings are increased odds of preterm birth, low birth weight, and a possible, though still debated, increased risk of infant mortality.This moves the certainty of some of the outcomes from low to moderate, solidifying the need for caution.

Archyde: It’s concerning that cannabis use appears to be rising among pregnant women. What factors are contributing to this?

Dr. Thorne: Several factors are at play. As we mentioned, with increased legalization and acceptance, accessibility has increased. Many are seeking natural remedies for nausea, insomnia, and pain, which are common during pregnancy. Furthermore, there is a misconception among some that cannabis is safe for the developing fetus. This highlights the importance of accurate information and education.

Understanding the Risks: Beyond the headlines

Archyde: The research suggests a potential for placental dysfunction. Can you elaborate on how this impacts the developing fetus?

Dr.Thorne: Absolutely. The placenta is the lifeline for the baby. It provides nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products. If the placenta isn’t functioning correctly, the baby might not receive adequate nourishment, impacting growth and development, which can lead to the adverse outcomes we discussed earlier, like low birth weight and preterm birth.

Archyde: Compared to alcohol and nicotine, how does cannabis stack up in terms of pregnancy risks? The table in the study provides a useful comparison.

Dr. Thorne: Alcohol and nicotine have well-established, severe consequences. fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are well-documented and can have lifelong, severe consequences, while Nicotine presents significant risks for stillbirth and premature birth.Cannabis, while evidence is emerging, currently shows moderate evidence of risk for adverse infant outcomes, necessitating careful evaluation.

Navigating a Pragmatic Approach

Archyde: Dispensaries are frequently enough the point of contact for patients interested in cannabis.What role do you see them playing, and how can they improve the information their customers are given?

Dr. Thorne: Dispensaries can play a significant role in providing accurate and balanced information. It goes beyond simply selling a product—they should provide educational materials, emphasizing the potential risks during pregnancy. They should also encourage customers to consult with their healthcare providers before using cannabis,and this should be the primary approach. dispensaries need to ensure they are not perceived as promoting a product but as providing the necessary information for informed decision-making, and the need for a professional medical approach.

Archyde: for women who are considering cannabis for medical reasons during pregnancy, what advice do you give?

Dr. Thorne: The ideal scenario is abstinence. If cannabis is being used for medical purposes, a detailed discussion with the healthcare provider is essential. Alternative treatments that are proven safe for both the mother and the baby should be explored first with the doctor. Consider the risks and benefits of all medical options. This is the only right approach.

The Future of Research and Personalized Care

Archyde: What key areas of research do you anticipate will be the focus in the coming years?

Dr. Thorne: I expect we’ll see more rigorous, longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects on children exposed to cannabis in utero. We’ll also likely see research on the specific effects of different strains and dosages, developing guidelines for healthcare professionals, and advancements in biomarker research, allowing for personalized risk assessments. This is an evolving field.

Archyde: Dr. Thorne,this has been a very informative discussion. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers.

Dr. Thorne: My pleasure. It’s crucial to provide accurate information and promote open dialogue about cannabis use during pregnancy.

Archyde: Our readers, what are your thoughts on this topic? Share your perspectives in the comments section below. We’re particularly interested in your opinions on how healthcare providers and dispensaries can work together to provide the very best counsel to patients.