Pregnant individuals who chose cannabis for nausea received stigmatizing feedback from providers and mixed reactions from family, while those choosing medication reported universally positive or neutral responses.
OB-GYNs, midwives, prenatal care providers, and public health professionals addressing substance use in pregnancy.
What the researchers found
Four stakeholder groups influenced treatment decisions: medical providers, partners, family, and friends. The medication group reported only positive or neutral feedback. The cannabis group reported positive feedback from friends but negative, stigmatizing feedback from providers and mixed feedback from family and partners. Many cannabis users concealed their treatment choice after negative reactions.
Why it matters
When pregnant people using cannabis for nausea feel stigmatized by providers, they may stop disclosing their use entirely, removing healthcare professionals from the conversation about safer alternatives or monitoring.
The numbers in context
17 participants interviewed. 4 stakeholder groups identified. Cannabis group reported negative provider feedback described as stigmatizing. Multiple cannabis users concealed their treatment choice.
How the study worked
Semi-structured interviews with 17 pregnant individuals enrolled in a neuroimaging study of prenatal cannabis exposure, exploring interpersonal influences on decisions to treat pregnancy nausea with medication or cannabis.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample (n=17) from a single neuroimaging study. Participants self-selected into cannabis or medication groups, introducing selection bias. Qualitative design provides depth but not prevalence estimates.
How to read the evidence
Small qualitative study offers rich insight into patient experiences but cannot be generalized to broader populations.
When this study was published
2024 publication.
The bigger picture
Provider stigmatization of pregnant cannabis users creates a dangerous information vacuum. Without disclosure, providers cannot monitor fetal development, counsel on risks, or offer evidence-based alternatives for severe pregnancy nausea.
Questions still open
- Do pregnant patients who conceal cannabis use from providers have worse birth outcomes due to reduced monitoring?
- Would training providers in non-judgmental communication increase disclosure rates?
Common questions
Why do some pregnant people use cannabis for nausea?
Does provider stigma affect health outcomes?
Read the original research
Interpersonal Influences on the Choice to Treat Nausea during Pregnancy with Medication or Cannabis.
American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2941-e2951
Citation
Mercer, Amanda H; MacDuffie, Katherine E; Weiss, Elliott M; Johnson, Allegra; Dager, Stephen R; Kleinhans, Natalia. (2024). Interpersonal Influences on the Choice to Treat Nausea during Pregnancy with Medication or Cannabis.. American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2941-e2951. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2183-9013
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