Cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, NICU admission, fetal death, gestational hypertension, and placental abruption, with greater risk at higher use frequency.
Pregnant individuals using or considering cannabis, obstetricians, maternal health advocates
Risk increases with use frequency
What the researchers found
Maternal cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with small to moderately increased risks of gestational hypertension, abnormal gestational weight gain, placental abruption, preterm birth (<36, <34, and <32 weeks), small for gestational age, low birth weight, NICU admission, and fetal death, even in women not using other substances.
Why it matters
Over 5% of women use cannabis during pregnancy, often for nausea, anxiety, or pain, and many are unaware of pregnancy-related risks. Cannabis constituents cross the placenta and act on receptors in the developing fetal brain.
The numbers in context
Over 5% of women use cannabis during pregnancy. Increased risks identified for preterm birth at <36, <34, and <32 weeks. Risks were greater with greater frequency of use. Adverse outcomes persisted even when excluding women using other substances.
How the study worked
Narrative review of recent cohort studies and meta-analyses examining specific maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with gestational cannabis exposure.
What this study cannot tell us
Observational data cannot prove causation. Women who use cannabis may differ from non-users in ways that independently affect pregnancy outcomes. Self-report likely underestimates use. Some studies could not separate cannabis from tobacco effects.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review of multiple cohort studies and meta-analyses, providing consistent but observational evidence across outcomes.
When this study was published
2024 review of recent pregnancy outcome studies
The bigger picture
As cannabis legalization expands and public risk perception decreases, the gap between availability and understanding of pregnancy risks widens. Multiple professional bodies worldwide already discourage cannabis use during pregnancy based on this accumulating evidence.
Questions still open
- Is there a safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy? How do different consumption methods (smoking vs. edibles) compare in pregnancy risk?
Common questions
What pregnancy complications are linked to cannabis?
Do these risks apply to women who only use cannabis and no other substances?
Read the original research
Maternal Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Maternal and Neonatal Adverse Outcomes.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 85(4)
Citation
Andrade, Chittaranjan. (2024). Maternal Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Maternal and Neonatal Adverse Outcomes.. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 85(4). https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.24f15611
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