A clinical evidence summary found associations between cannabis use during pregnancy and several neurodevelopmental effects in offspring, including attention problems, hyperactivity, and diminished academic performance.
Pregnant individuals, obstetricians, and midwives
Associations found across neonatal, cognitive, and behavioral domains
What the researchers found
Limited but consistent data showed associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and increased startles and difficulty consoling in newborns, memory and verbal reasoning challenges in early childhood, diminished academic performance, and inattention, hyperactivity, and aggression in early childhood.
Why it matters
Cannabis is commonly used by pregnant patients for symptom relief, and misinformation about its safety during pregnancy is widespread. This summary provides clinicians with a consolidated evidence base for patient counseling.
The numbers in context
The review identified associations across three developmental periods: neonatal (increased startles), early childhood (memory and verbal reasoning challenges, diminished academics), and behavioral (inattention, hyperactivity, aggression).
How the study worked
Literature review of clinical studies identified through PubMed and OVID databases examining the impacts of intrauterine cannabis exposure on offspring neurodevelopment.
What this study cannot tell us
The existing data are limited by important confounders including genetic predisposition, concurrent tobacco and other substance use, and socioeconomic factors. Studies generally lack objective cannabis use measures and diverse samples.
How to read the evidence
Summary of clinical literature with consistent but confounded findings; large-scale controlled studies are still needed.
When this study was published
2024 review
The bigger picture
Despite multiple national medical associations recommending against prenatal cannabis use, public perception often lags behind the evidence. This review attempts to arm providers with data to counter misinformation.
Questions still open
- Are there dose-dependent effects of prenatal cannabis exposure? Do the neurodevelopmental effects persist into adolescence and adulthood? Would more objective measures of cannabis use change the strength of associations?
Common questions
Can cannabis use during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development?
Is it safe to use cannabis for pregnancy symptoms?
Read the original research
Implications of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Childhood Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Summary of the Clinical Evidence.
Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 79(10), 604-610
Citation
Sheffield, Sydney Mei; Kuller, Jeffrey A; Murphy, Susan Kay; Dotters-Katz, Sarah K; Schaumberg, Jordan Enns. (2024). Implications of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure on Childhood Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Summary of the Clinical Evidence.. Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 79(10), 604-610. https://doi.org/10.1097/OGX.0000000000001320
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