Perceptions about cannabis use during pregnancy: a rapid best-framework qualitative synthesis

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Substance Use Research
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Understanding pregnant women's perceptions of cannabis risks is vital for public health initiatives.
• Cannabis use during pregnancy remains a significant concern with evolving legal and social contexts.
• Existing research often overlooks nuanced beliefs influencing maternal health decisions.

Approach:

• A rapid review systematically synthesized qualitative and descriptive studies on pregnant women's cannabis use perceptions.
• Databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL up to March 2019.
• Five studies meeting inclusion criteria were appraised for methodological quality.

Key Points:

• Pregnant women using cannabis frequently perceived lower risks compared to non-users.
• Uncertainty about adverse effects, perceived therapeutic benefits, and limited healthcare provider communication influenced continued use.
• Women interpreted a lack of professional guidance as an indicator of minimal risk associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating childbearing women about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.
• Open communication and counseling can significantly influence women's risk perception and support informed decision-making regarding substance use.
• Addressing women's beliefs and knowledge gaps is essential for effective interventions aimed at reducing adverse perinatal outcomes.