prenatal – Marijuana Impact Group

Cannabis and Pregnancy: Effects on Woman’s Health

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:05:11 +0000

In the October 11^th, 2021 edition of Contemporary OB/GYN, authors (Lo, Hanna & Hedges) offer guidance to medical providers working with women who use marijuana and specific concerns for those patients that are perinatal or prenatal. The authors cite concerns over the increased levels of THC potency in recent years. Specifically, the lack of understanding / research into of the potential adverse health implications those increases in THC potency represent to a women’s health and the potential long-term health of their unborn or newborn child.

This report offers research insights into potencies impacts to ovulation, ability to conceive, influences upon In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and generalized warnings from the major medical colleges and the U.S. Surgeon General in support of abstaining from marijuana usage pre / post pregnancy. All with the intent to provide the most favorable environment for the child to develop.

This is an easy read with a balanced approach to the issues, supported by well referenced research.

Read time: 5 – 10 minutes

Photo:

Unsplash.com/ Choi, S.

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Prenatal Cannabis Use & Risks: A New Study

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:05:02 +0000

A study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “The Associations between prenatal cannabis use disorder and neonatal outcomes” (Y. Shi et.al) examines potential health issues of newborns of mothers with a cannabis use disorder (CUD) at the time of delivery. Researchers reviewed over 4.8 million California birth records from 2001 – 2012. From that over 20,000 mother / infant pairs were identified where the mother met the criteria for having a CUD. Between 2001 and 2012, the rate of mothers meeting CUD criteria increased by over two fold. Researchers found when compared to a control group, children born to mothers with a CUD had a greater risk of preterm (early) births, lower birth weight and a higher mortality rate during their first year of life.

As the findings in this study are consistent with other research completed in this area, the authors stress that medical professional should routinely screen their pregnant patients for CUD to safeguard both the mother and the child.

Read time: < 5 minutes

Photo: Pexels / P. Danilyuk

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Associations Between Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Childhood Outcomes

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:55:35 +0000

Read Time: <10 minutes

Date: September 23, 2020

A recent publication in the Journal of the American Medical Association – Psychiatry (JAMA Psychiatry, September 23, 2020) detailed a study from the University of Washington (St. Louis, MO) by authors S.E. Paul (et.al) regarding the prenatal exposure to marijuana and later adverse childhood outcomes.

The report concluded that the prenatal exposure to marijuana (cannabis) to an unborn child had associations to mental and developmental disorders in some children ( average age = 10 years). Of the 11,875 children (ages 9 – 11) involved in the study, 655 were identified (5.5%) as being exposed to cannabis prior to birth. When compared to those children not exposed prenatally (10,834), the exposure group reported higher incidents of psychotic-like experiences, problems with cognitive functions and increased social problems. Those not exposed showed higher cognition functions, fewer problems related to attention and a higher birth weight.

The authors cite the need for additional studies of these types as initial evidence would suggest that prenatal exposure to marijuana may place a child at risk for adverse health and general life outcomes. Stressing the point made by the U.S. Surgeon General (VADM J. Adams – August 2019) that marijuana use in adolescence or during pregnancy, should be avoided due to potential future health risks.

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