Marijuana use and perinatal outcomes in obstetric patients at a safety net hospital

To characterize the association between antepartum marijuana exposure and maternal and neonatal outcomes at our institution.

Retrospective chart review identified an obstetric cohort of singleton gestations. Women with self-reported marijuana use were compared with non-users. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, and maternal-fetal outcomes were evaluated. Associations between outcomes and marijuana use were assessed with regression analysis.

Of 2792 deliveries, 5.4% reported marijuana use. Compared to non-users, marijuana users entered prenatal care later, were younger, non-Hispanic, and used other illicit substances. Marijuana users had a higher rate of cesarean delivery (p = 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, marijuana use remained associated with 4.1-fold risk of delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) infant and 2.89-fold risk of neonatal oxygen use.

At a safety net hospital, antepartum marijuana use is significantly associated with cesarean delivery, SGA and supplemental oxygen use at birth. Healthcare disparities associated with marijuana use make this a population of critical interest.