Effects of marijuana use in pregnancy

The use of marijuana before or during pregnancy may cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

A report from CNN detailed that the use of marijuana may have doubled over the past 20 years. Previous studies have linked marijuana use to low birthweight, preterm birth and higher neonatal intensive care unit admission rates.

In a new study, researchers have found that the use of marijuana prior to or during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications — including gestational hypertension; preeclampsia; blood clots; seizures; strokes; temporary kidney failure or other liver complications; excessive or insufficient weight gain; placental abruption; and reduced blood flow to the liver, kidneys, brain, uterus and placenta.

Further, the researchers discovered that cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol may bind to placental receptors and disrupt estrogen signaling and placental development and function. The risks were found to be highest among the pregnant patients who used cannabis daily.

Pregnant patients may be exposed to misinformation about the safety of cannabis use on social media or from cannabis retailers and peers; however, these patients were advised to avoid or limit cannabis use during pregnancy to minimize the adverse health effects, according to the article.

Read more: CNN

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