The study funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that cannabis use is linked to a higher risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy, particularly low birth weight. Although the study did not determine the exact reasons behind these effects, it emphasizes the potential harm that cannabis can have on fetal health, according to the authors.
It Is worth noting that many pregnant individuals turn to cannabis to alleviate symptoms such as nausea and pain. With the increasing legalization of cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes in various states, its usage has become more prevalent. However, the impact of cannabis on pregnancy has not been extensively studied.
To investigate this further, researchers examined urine samples from over 9,000 pregnant individuals between 2010 and 2013. They aimed to determine if cannabis was used at any point during pregnancy, the gestational weeks it was used, and the quantity consumed. The team measured the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, at three different stages corresponding to trimesters. This data was then used to calculate the total cannabis exposure throughout the entire pregnancy. The findings of this study were published in JAMA on Tuesday.
The study concluded that pregnant individuals who used cannabis had a 25.9 percent rate of unfavorable birth outcomes, compared to 17.4 percent among those who did not use cannabis. Among the various adverse outcomes, the strongest association was found between low birth weight and cannabis use. Low birth weight is defined as weighing less than 5 lbs., 8 ounces at birth and can lead to a range of health complications and long-term risks, including an increased likelihood of chronic conditions later in life.
Additionally, cannabis users were more prone to experiencing preterm births, stillbirths, and hypertensive pregnancy disorders, which encompass conditions characterized by high blood pressure. This includes preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition for both the pregnant individual and the baby.
The study highlights the significant risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
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