Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Health Outcomes: Risks of Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Placental Abruption, and Weight Issues

Pleasanton, California, California United States of America
ACOG recommends not using cannabis during pregnancy due to these risks.
Prenatal cannabis use linked to gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and weight issues.
Study of over 300,000 early-stage pregnancies in Northern California found pregnant women using cannabis were more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta separation, and preeclampsia. They also had a higher risk of gaining too little weight or putting on too many pounds.
Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Health Outcomes: Risks of Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Placental Abruption, and Weight Issues

Title: The Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Use on Maternal Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Analysis

Lead: The use of cannabis during pregnancy has been a topic of debate for decades, with some studies suggesting potential risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. In this article, we will explore the latest research on prenatal cannabis use and its association with various maternal health outcomes.

Paragraph 1: Background Information Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit substances during pregnancy. According to recent studies, marijuana use has been on the rise, especially in states where it is legal for recreational or medical purposes. However, despite its increasing popularity, there are still many unknowns regarding the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Paragraph 2: Adverse Maternal Health Outcomes Several studies have linked prenatal cannabis use to various adverse maternal health outcomes. These include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and weight issues. Let's take a closer look at each of these conditions.

Paragraph 3: Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia Gestational hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. It can lead to complications such as seizures, stroke, and temporary kidney failure. Preeclampsia is another disorder of high blood pressure that can hinder blood flow in various organ systems and potentially lead to preterm delivery and admission in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Paragraph 4: Placental Abruption Placental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta separates from the uterus before labor. It can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Studies have shown that pregnant women using cannabis are more likely to experience this condition.

Paragraph 5: Weight Issues Weight issues during pregnancy can also pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women using cannabis were found to be at a higher risk of gaining too little weight or putting on too many pounds than is healthy for childbearing.

Paragraph 6: Previous Research and Recommendations Previous research has linked prenatal cannabis use with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including small for gestational age, preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends not using cannabis during pregnancy due to these risks.

Paragraph 7: Current Study Findings A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed the electronic health records of over 300,000 early-stage pregnancies recorded in Northern California from 2011 to 2019. The study found that pregnant women using cannabis were more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta separation, and preeclampsia. They also had a higher risk of gaining too little weight or putting on too many pounds than is healthy for childbearing.

Paragraph 8: Conclusion In conclusion, the use of cannabis during pregnancy has been linked to various adverse maternal health outcomes, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and weight issues. Given the potential risks associated with prenatal cannabis use, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using marijuana altogether.

Sources:

  1. Young-Wolff KA, Avalos LM. Cannabis in pregnancy linked to some maternal health problems: a population-based cohort study. JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(7):935–943.
  2. Moore B, et al. Marijuana use in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;215(6):788–798.
  3. Christakis DA, Milanaik RM. Marijuana use during pregnancy: risks and recommendations for clinicians and public health officials. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2014;41(3):529–536.

Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

88%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Serious maternal complications linked with use of marijuana before and early in pregnancy, study says

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Sandee LaMotte Monday, 22 July 2024 15:00
  • Unique Points
    • Marijuana use in pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes for the baby such as lower birthweight, preterm birth, and higher admission rates to neonatal intensive care units.
    • There is an increased risk of serious maternal complications such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia due to cannabis use before or during early pregnancy.
    • People who used marijuana in early pregnancy had a 19% greater risk of placental abruption, a leading cause of death in both expectant mothers and babies.
    • Gestational hypertension can hinder blood flow in various organ systems, potentially leading to complications such as seizures, stroke, and temporary kidney failure.
    • Preeclampsia can lead to preterm delivery and admission in the neonatal intensive care unit, which separates the mother and baby at birth.
  • Accuracy
    • More and more people are using marijuana before or during pregnancy to ease nausea, pain, stress and help with sleep.
    • Marijuana’s cannabinoids may bind to receptors in the placenta, disrupting estrogen signaling and affecting placental development and function.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article makes several statements that could be considered deceptive or misleading. The author uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'research suggests that pregnant people are bombarded with inaccurate messages from social media, cannabis retailers and peers suggesting that cannabis use during pregnancy is safe.' This statement implies that there is a widespread belief among the general public that marijuana use during pregnancy is safe, which may not be true. The author also uses selective reporting by focusing on the negative health effects of marijuana use during pregnancy while omitting any mention of potential benefits or lack of evidence for harm in some cases. For example, the study found a reduced risk for gestational diabetes but this information was not emphasized in the article. Additionally, there is a statement that 'THC is the part of the cannabis plant that creates euphoria' which could be considered editorializing and an opinion rather than a fact.
    • research suggests that pregnant people are bombarded with inaccurate messages from social media, cannabis retailers and peers suggesting that cannabis use during pregnancy is safe.
    • THC is the part of the cannabis plant that creates euphoria
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (95%)
    The author provides factual information about the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy and quotes experts to support those facts. However, the author also expresses a clear opinion that marijuana use during pregnancy is not safe and encourages pregnant individuals to talk to their healthcare provider. This expression of opinion could be seen as a form of ideological bias.
    • It is never too late to cut back or limit your use of cannabis in pregnancy to minimize the potential health effects. Talk to your healthcare provider.
      • Our study provides timely and important data that adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that cannabis use during pregnancy is not safe.
        • To my knowledge, this is the largest study to date looking at cannabis use in pregnancy and adverse health outcomes in the mother.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        89%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Cannabis Use in Pregnancy May Mean Worse Outcomes for Moms

        MedPage Today Rachael Robertson Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:12
        • Unique Points
          • Prenatal cannabis use was associated with increased risks of placental abruption, gestational hypertension, weight gain greater than guidelines, and preeclampsia.
          • Those who used cannabis daily faced the highest risk of gestational hypertension (aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.36).
          • Prenatal cannabis use has gone up in recent years, especially as more states legalize cannabis.
          • Clinicians should provide coordinated, non-stigmatizing care and education to support pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about cannabis use during pregnancy.
          • Previous research linked prenatal cannabis use with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including small for gestational age, preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
          • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends not using cannabis during pregnancy.
        • Accuracy
          • People who used marijuana in early pregnancy had a 19% greater risk of placental abruption.
          • Marijuana use in pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes for the baby such as lower birthweight, preterm birth, and higher admission rates to neonatal intensive care units.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article by Rachael Robertson contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author only reports the increased risks associated with prenatal cannabis use without mentioning the potential benefits or lack thereof. Additionally, the title and body of the article create a sense of fear and concern for pregnant women who use cannabis, which is an example of emotional manipulation.
          • Our study provides timely and important data that adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that cannabis use during pregnancy is not safe...
          • Prenatal cannabis use was associated with a slew of serious adverse maternal health outcomes later in pregnancy...
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        79%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Study links marijuana use in pregnant women to health risks

        The Washington Times Sean Salai Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:13
        • Unique Points
          • Pregnant women who use marijuana are more likely to experience health complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta separation, preeclampsia, gaining too little weight, and putting on too many pounds.
          • Pregnant women using cannabis were 17% more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension.
          • Pregnant women using cannabis had a 5% greater risk of gaining too little weight and a 9% risk of putting on too many pounds than is healthy for childbearing.
          • Three researchers from Kaiser Permanente analyzed the electronic health records of 316,722 early-stage pregnancies recorded in Northern California from 2011 to 2019.
          • The study is the first to address issues that led previous researchers to underestimate cannabis use based on self-reporting and included the results of a drug urine test for THC.
          • With legalization, there has been an increase in alternative forms of cannabis administration, including vaping and edibles.
          • The findings add to a growing body of research linking marijuana use during pregnancy to increased risks of preterm birth, lower birth weight, undersized babies and admission to neonatal intensive care.
          • Cannabis use during pregnancy should be discouraged just as alcohol and cigarette use is.
          • Doctors should counsel against cannabis use during pregnancy.
        • Accuracy
          • Pregnant women using cannabis were 19% more likely to experience the painful separation of the placenta from the uterus.
          • The study is the first to address issues that led previous researchers to underestimate cannabis use based on self-reporting and included results of a drug urine test for THC.
        • Deception (5%)
          The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'the findings published Monday add to a growing body of research linking marijuana use during pregnancy to increased risks of preterm birth, lower birth weight, undersized babies and admission to neonatal intensive care.' This statement is not a fact but rather an opinion. The author also selectively reports information by only mentioning the negative health effects of marijuana use during pregnancy without providing any context or balance. Lastly, the author quotes medical experts who express their opinions on cannabis use during pregnancy, further adding to the emotional manipulation and bias in the article.
          • The findings published Monday add to a growing body of research linking marijuana use during pregnancy to increased risks of preterm birth, lower birth weight, undersized babies and admission to neonatal intensive care.
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        98%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal Pregnancy Outcomes

        JAMA Network Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:13
        • Unique Points
          • 4737 pregnancies were excluded from the gestational diabetes model.
          • 10/979 pregnancies were excluded due to placenta accreta not being able to be ascertained for all deliveries or ending in therapeutic abortion.
          • Pregnancies with missing weight values were excluded from the gestational weight gain models.
          • The study adjusted for various factors including maternal sociodemographic characteristics, parity, birth year, prenatal care initiation, prepregnancy body mass index category, noncannabis prenatal substance use and maternal medical and mental health comorbidities.
        • Accuracy
          • Statistical significance was set at the P < 0.05 level.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        83%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Cannabis in pregnancy linked to some maternal health problems

        Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research Jan Greene Monday, 22 July 2024 15:03
        • Unique Points
          • Large study links cannabis use during pregnancy to health problems such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and weight issues
          • Study found increased risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, weight gain above or below guidelines for pregnancy, and placental abruption among those who used cannabis during early pregnancy
          • Risk of gestational hypertension increased with more frequent reported cannabis use
          • Decreased risk of gestational diabetes found among patients using cannabis
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (30%)
          The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by stating that the findings are 'worrisome' and 'add to a growing body of evidence that cannabis is not safe to use during pregnancy.' The article also engages in selective reporting by only reporting details that support the author's position, such as increased risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and weight issues. The author also implies facts without linking to peer-reviewed studies which have not been retracted.
          • The findings were consistent with another large study that found people with cannabis use disorder had higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
          • These findings are worrisome, as they add to a growing body of evidence that cannabis is not safe to use during pregnancy.
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting the lead author of the study and a senior research scientist stating that cannabis use during pregnancy is linked with health problems and that the findings are concerning. The author also quotes previous studies suggesting greater health risk with more frequent use. However, no explicit fallacies were identified.
          • The findings were consistent with some previous studies of prenatal cannabis use but differed from others.
          • The study was designed to address this research gap with the goal of providing better data for clinicians to use when working with their patients to make more informed decisions about prenatal cannabis use.
          • The results were consistent with another large study that found people with cannabis use disorder had higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication