Prenatal cannabis use linked to sevenfold higher risk of fetal death in longitudinal study
In a longitudinal study of 894 pregnant individuals, cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of fetal death, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 894 pregnant individuals followed in a longitudinal study, 13.1% used cannabis. Cannabis users had a sevenfold increased risk of fetal death (OR 7.30) that persisted after adjusting for confounders (aOR 6.31). Adjusted models also suggested increased low birth weight risk (aOR 1.67).
Key Numbers
894 participants; 13.1% used cannabis; sevenfold increased fetal death risk (OR 7.30); adjusted OR 6.31; adjusted low birth weight risk aOR 1.67; cannabis users were younger on average (25.9 vs 27.9 years)
How They Did This
Secondary data analysis of the Stress in Pregnancy longitudinal study (2009-2013), using interviews and electronic medical record reviews to determine cannabis use status among 894 pregnant individuals and evaluate associations with perinatal outcomes.
Why This Research Matters
The association between prenatal cannabis use and fetal death is a serious finding that adds to growing concerns about cannabis safety during pregnancy, particularly as cannabis use among pregnant people increases.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis legalization expands and harm perceptions decline, data on pregnancy outcomes becomes increasingly important for informing clinical guidance and public health messaging.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Observational design cannot prove causation; relatively small number of fetal death events may produce unstable estimates; data from 2009-2013 may not reflect current cannabis potency or use patterns; potential unmeasured confounders
Questions This Raises
- ?What biological mechanisms could explain this association?
- ?Does the timing, frequency, or potency of cannabis use during pregnancy modify the risk?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Sevenfold increased fetal death risk (OR 7.30)
- Evidence Grade:
- Longitudinal observational study with confounder adjustment, but relatively small event counts for rare outcomes like fetal death.
- Study Age:
- 2024 publication analyzing data from 2009-2013
- Original Title:
- The longitudinal assessment of prenatal cannabis use on neonatal outcomes.
- Published In:
- Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 44(8), 1152-1156 (2024)
- Authors:
- Habersham, Leah L, Hurd, Yasmin L(21), Nomura, Yoko(4)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05360
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How strong was the link between prenatal cannabis use and fetal death?
Cannabis users had seven times the risk of fetal death compared to non-users (OR 7.30). After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk remained over six times higher (adjusted OR 6.31). However, as an observational study, this shows an association rather than proof of causation.
Were there other pregnancy risks associated with cannabis use?
In addition to fetal death, adjusted models suggested cannabis users had a 67% higher risk of low birth weight (adjusted OR 1.67). Cannabis-using mothers were also younger on average than non-users.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05360APA
Habersham, Leah L; Hurd, Yasmin L; Nomura, Yoko. (2024). The longitudinal assessment of prenatal cannabis use on neonatal outcomes.. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 44(8), 1152-1156. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-024-02027-w
MLA
Habersham, Leah L, et al. "The longitudinal assessment of prenatal cannabis use on neonatal outcomes.." Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-024-02027-w
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The longitudinal assessment of prenatal cannabis use on neon..." RTHC-05360. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/habersham-2024-the-longitudinal-assessment-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.