Nearly a Third of Pregnant and Postpartum Women Vaped Cannabis in This Survey

51.4% vaped nicotine only, 27.9% vaped cannabis only, and 20.7% vaped both. 64.9% vaped daily. Primary reasons were relaxation, managing anxiety/depression, enjoyment, and the belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Women commonly consulted healthcare providers about potential harm to pregnancy and fetal health.

Online survey of 111 women recruited via social media who vaped nicotine and/or cannabis during pregnancy or postpartum. Questions covered reasons for vaping, risk perceptions, attitudes, and healthcare provider consultations.

Cannabis vaping during pregnancy is an emerging concern that has received little research attention. The belief that vaping is safer than smoking may give pregnant women a false sense of security, especially since the health effects of vaping cannabis during pregnancy are largely unknown.

As vaping technology makes cannabis consumption more discreet and accessible, its use during pregnancy may be increasing in ways that traditional substance use screening does not capture. The harm reduction belief driving this behavior may not be supported by evidence.

Small convenience sample (111 women) recruited via social media, self-selection bias toward women more open about vaping, no biological verification of use, cross-sectional design, cannot determine actual health effects of vaping during pregnancy