Marijuana Use in Pregnancy: Concerns in an Evolving Era

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Marijuana is the most prevalent illicit drug used during pregnancy in the U.S.
• Increasing rates of marijuana consumption in pregnant individuals necessitate further investigation.
• Existing research is often limited by study design and confounding variables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on the association between marijuana use during pregnancy and adverse neonatal and developmental outcomes.
• To synthesize findings regarding the presence of marijuana compounds in breast milk.
• To highlight recommendations from professional societies regarding marijuana use in pregnancy and lactation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on marijuana use in pregnancy.
• Analysis of data associating in utero marijuana exposure with birth outcomes.
• Examination of research on marijuana presence in breast milk.

Main Results:

• Associations found between prenatal marijuana exposure and decreased birth weight.
• Increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth identified with marijuana use in pregnancy.
• Evidence suggests impaired neurodevelopment in children exposed to marijuana in utero.
• Moderate concentrations of marijuana detected in breast milk.

Conclusions:

• Growing evidence links marijuana use during pregnancy to adverse outcomes.
• Marijuana compounds are present in breast milk, posing risks to nursing infants.
• Professional medical societies strongly recommend against marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation.