Cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, NICU admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age infants.
Obstetricians, midwives, prenatal counselors, and pregnant women considering cannabis use.
Rising prenatal useassociated with preterm birth, NICU admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age infants
What the researchers found
Available studies support an association between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age infants.
Why it matters
Prenatal cannabis use is rising and poses documented risks to maternal and fetal health, yet many pregnant women are unaware of these risks or receive conflicting information.
The numbers in context
Not quantified in abstract; review summarizes associations with preterm birth, NICU admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age outcomes across available studies.
How the study worked
Literature review searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar using terms related to cannabis, cannabinoids, pregnancy, and lactation outcomes.
Who was studied
Pregnant and lactating women using cannabis (across reviewed studies).
What this study cannot tell us
Review rather than systematic review or meta-analysis. Underlying studies may have confounding by tobacco, alcohol, or other substance co-use. Self-reported cannabis use may be underestimated.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review summarizing observational evidence; associations are consistent but confounding cannot be fully excluded.
When this study was published
Recent review reflecting current literature on cannabis and pregnancy.
The bigger picture
As cannabis becomes more accessible and prenatal use rises, healthcare providers need clear guidance on counseling patients about the established risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.
Replication
Narrative review of consistent findings across multiple observational studies.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- What mechanisms link cannabis to adverse birth outcomes?
- Are specific cannabinoids (THC vs. CBD) differentially harmful during pregnancy?
Read the original research
Cannabis and Pregnancy: A Review.
Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 78(7), 411-428
Citation
Hayer, Sarena; Mandelbaum, Ava D; Watch, Lester; Ryan, Kimberly S; Hedges, Madeline A; Manuzak, Jennifer A; Easley, Charles A; Schust, Danny J; Lo, Jamie O. (2023). Cannabis and Pregnancy: A Review.. Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 78(7), 411-428. https://doi.org/10.1097/OGX.0000000000001159