In an Irish maternity hospital over 2010-2019, drug use in pregnancy decreased overall but cannabis and cocaine consumption increased nearly 4-fold, with extremely high rates of maternal and perinatal complications.
Maternal addiction specialists, antenatal care providers, drug policy analysts
Cannabis use in pregnancy nearly quadrupled (RR 3.7) over the decade
What the researchers found
Among 82,669 deliveries, 525 had drug use in pregnancy (1 in 160). Over the decade, overall drug use decreased (0.8% to 0.4%), but cannabis and cocaine use each increased nearly 4-fold (RR 3.7 and 3.8 respectively). The population showed 66.3% psychiatric history, 11.6% homelessness, 91% tobacco use, a maternal mortality rate of 380.9 per 100,000, and perinatal mortality of 15.6 per 1,000.
Why it matters
The shift from opioid-dominant to stimulant-and-cannabis patterns in pregnant populations mirrors broader drug use trends and requires adapted clinical services.
The numbers in context
82,669 total deliveries; 525 with substance use (1 in 160); cannabis use RR 3.7 (95% CI 1.58-8.86); cocaine use RR 3.8 (95% CI 1.57-9.44); 17.9% preterm birth rate; 52% NICU admission; mean birth weight 2,832g; maternal mortality 380.9/100,000
How the study worked
Retrospective observational cohort study at an Irish tertiary maternity unit analyzing all deliveries from 2010-2019 where opioid use disorder or substance use was identified. Data combined from electronic and hand-held patient records. Trends analyzed by year of delivery.
What this study cannot tell us
Single-center study in Dublin. Self-reported drug use likely underestimates true prevalence. Cannot separate effects of cannabis from polysubstance use or socioeconomic factors. Small absolute numbers limit trend analysis precision.
How to read the evidence
Ten-year single-center cohort providing trend data, but self-reported exposure and polysubstance use complicate interpretation.
When this study was published
Published 2023 using 2010-2019 data
The bigger picture
Drug use patterns in pregnancy are evolving rapidly. Services designed around opioid substitution therapy may need to adapt as cannabis and stimulants become the dominant substances used by pregnant women.
Questions still open
- Are antenatal services equipped to address the shift from opioids to cannabis and stimulants? How do outcomes compare between cannabis-only users and polysubstance users in this population?
Common questions
Is cannabis use in pregnancy increasing?
What outcomes do substance-using pregnant women face?
Read the original research
Drug use in pregnancy in Ireland's capital city: A decade of trends and outcomes.
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 282, 24-30
Citation
Corbett, Gillian A; Carmody, Deirdre; Rochford, Marie; Cunningham, Orla; Lindow, Stephen W; O'Connell, Michael P. (2023). Drug use in pregnancy in Ireland's capital city: A decade of trends and outcomes.. European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 282, 24-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.021
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