A recent study has highlighted concerning links between marijuana use before and during early pregnancy and serious maternal health complications. As marijuana becomes increasingly popular for alleviating symptoms like nausea, pain, stress, and sleep issues during pregnancy, research indicates a more than twofold increase in usage over the past two decades.
The study, led by Kelly Young-Wolff, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, examined data from over 250,000 pregnant individuals receiving prenatal care. It revealed that using marijuana early in pregnancy was associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. Specifically, those who used marijuana had a 17% higher risk of gestational hypertension, an 8% higher risk of preeclampsia, and a 19% higher risk of placental abruption compared to non-users.
Gestational hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, can escalate to preeclampsia, a more severe condition that can lead to organ damage and other serious complications for both mother and baby. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely, poses further risks including maternal hemorrhage and fetal distress.
Dr. Deborah Ansley, Medical Director for Kaiser Early Start prenatal health program, emphasized the potential consequences of these conditions, including preterm delivery and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, which can disrupt early bonding between mother and baby.
Despite prevalent misconceptions propagated by social media and other sources suggesting the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy, the study underscores significant health risks associated with such practices. THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is believed to interfere with placental development and hormone signaling, contributing to these adverse outcomes.
The study’s findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, also revealed associations between marijuana use and altered weight gain during pregnancy, with users being 9% more likely to gain excessive weight and 5% less likely to gain sufficient weight for optimal pregnancy outcomes.
While acknowledging the study’s limitations, such as its reliance on self-reporting and limitations in detecting specific types of cannabis use, researchers urge pregnant individuals to openly discuss any substance use with their healthcare providers. They emphasize the importance of adhering to clinical guidelines and seeking alternative interventions to manage pregnancy-related symptoms safely.
As research continues to evolve, efforts are underway to better understand the comprehensive health impacts of marijuana use during pregnancy and to inform evidence-based guidance for expectant mothers.
In conclusion, while marijuana may offer perceived benefits for symptom management, its use during pregnancy poses significant health risks that warrant careful consideration and medical guidance.
