Amidst the ongoing discourse on maternal health, a recent study conducted by the University of Utah Health has unveiled associations between marijuana use in pregnancy and adverse outcomes for infants, including low birth weight.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) the study examined more than 9,000 pregnant women across the United States, offering crucial insights into the potential risks posed by cannabis exposure.
Dr. Torri Metz, the lead author of the study and vice chair of research in obstetrics and gynecology at Utah Health, emphasized the increasing evidence linking cannabis use to smaller babies. The placenta, responsible for fetal nutrient provision and oxygenation, plays a crucial role in fetal growth.
The study delves into the impact of cannabis exposure on placental function, revealing higher rates of poor pregnancy outcomes associated with marijuana use.
Study Shows Link Between Marijuana Use In Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight
The study’s definition of “poor pregnancy outcomes” encompasses stillbirth, preterm birth for medical reasons, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and infants born small in size. Dr. Metz highlighted the increased risk of these adverse outcomes with higher levels and ongoing use of cannabis throughout pregnancy. The research sheds light on the urgency of addressing the potential dangers of cannabis use during gestation.
Out of the 9,000 participants from eight different medical centers across the U.S., 610 showed detectable levels of cannabis exposure. The data, collected between 2010 and 2014, facilitated a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between marijuana use and adverse fetal health issues.
The study indicated that pregnant women exposed to cannabis had a 1.3 times higher risk of delivering babies with low birth weight and other related complications.
Cannabis levels were determined through urine samples, measuring a metabolic byproduct of cannabis for higher accuracy. The potential mechanism for these negative outcomes is suggested to be the impeding of blood flow to the placenta.
Given these findings, the researchers strongly advocate for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers before considering the use of medical marijuana, emphasizing the importance of exploring safer alternatives.
Dr. Courtney Boyle, an OBGYN and medical director of the Connections Clinic at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania, provided insights into the significance of the study.
While not directly involved, Dr. Boyle highlighted the study’s contribution to understanding how marijuana use during pregnancy may lead to health complications for the fetus. As medical marijuana gains mainstream acceptance, it becomes crucial to address the increasing number of pregnant patients desiring to continue its use.
For patients continuing marijuana use during pregnancy, Dr. Boyle underscores the importance of counseling about the limited data on long-term effects, especially with newer products available.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends abstinence from marijuana use for those pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding due to limited scientific knowledge on its harms during pregnancy. Risks to the fetus include being small for gestational age, preterm labor, and potential neurodevelopmental effects.
As cannabis use can also impact the pregnant woman, including risks of permanent lung injury and dizziness leading to falls, Dr. Boyle encourages open conversations between pregnant women and healthcare providers.
Referrals for drug and alcohol counseling are offered to patients who desire additional support, emphasizing the need to explore ways to reduce potential health complications for both the mother and the fetus.
In conclusion, the study adds crucial insights into the complex relationship between marijuana use during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes.
As the scientific community continues to explore these connections, the findings underscore the importance of informed decision-making, open communication between patients and healthcare providers, and a commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of both mother and child during pregnancy.
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