November 2, 2024

Marijuana in Maternity: Cannabis During Pregnancy Linked to Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth

A study of more than 360,000 babies and mothers shows a significant threat of low birth weight and NICU admissions for children exposed to marijuana in utero. The research study highlights the increasing dangers associated with the frequency of cannabis use throughout pregnancy. Credit: SciTechDaily.comLarge Kaiser Permanente study contributes to proof about low birthweight, preterm birth, admission to neonatal extensive care.A big research study of more than 360,000 moms and infants discovered increased threat of low birth weight and admission to the neonatal extensive care system (NICU) for babies whose mothers utilized cannabis during pregnancy.The findings line up with previous research suggesting a connection between prenatal marijuana use and low birthweight babies, and recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that pregnant patients prevent marijuana in pregnancy.The scientists likewise found a “dose-response” relationship, indicating increasing threat of baby health dangers with more frequent reported usage of cannabis.The analysis used health records from 364,924 infants born to Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) members between January 2011 and July 2020. Of these, 6.2% of the infants were exposed to cannabis in utero. Information about cannabis use was acquired from a self-report prenatal screening questionnaire and a urine toxicology test.The study discovered statistically substantially higher odds of low birthweight, baby that is small for gestational age, preterm birth, and admission to a NICU.” Our analysis adds brand-new concerns about the potential for preterm birth and NICU admission, which are connected with instant, highly demanding circumstances for the family along with long-lasting unfavorable results for the kid,” said lead author Lyndsay Avalos, PhD, MPH, a research researcher with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.Reference: “Neonatal outcomes associated with in utero marijuana exposure: a population-based retrospective cohort research study” by Lyndsay A. Avalos, PhD, MPH; Sara R. Adams, MPH; Stacey E. Alexeeff, PhD; Nina R. Oberman, MPH; Monique B. Does, MPH; Deborah Ansley, MD; Nancy Goler, MD; Alisa A. Padon, PhD; Lynn D. Silver, MD, MPH and Kelly C. Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, 26 November 2023, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.DOI: 10.1016/ j.ajog.2023.11.1232.