by A recent study published in the scientific journal Addiction has found that infants exposed to cannabis during pregnancy are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse birth outcomes. The study, which conducted a meta-analysis of 57 previous studies involving over 12 million infants, revealed that prenatal cannabis exposure increases the likelihood of preterm birth, low birth weight, and the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care. However, the study did not find an increased risk of birth defects or infant mortality, including sudden unexpected infant death.
The meta-analysis included a total of 102,835 infants who had been exposed to cannabis in utero. Twenty of the studies analyzed the association between cannabis exposure during pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery. The combined results indicated that mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy were more than one and a half times more likely to give birth prematurely compared to mothers who did not use cannabis.
Additionally, eighteen of the studies examined the risk of low birth weight among infants exposed to cannabis prenatally. The combined findings revealed that mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy were over twice as likely to have a baby with a low birth weight compared to non-users.
Furthermore, ten of the studies focused on the risk of NICU admission for infants with intrauterine cannabis exposure. The combined results demonstrated that newborns exposed to cannabis in the womb were more than twice as likely to require NICU care compared to non-exposed newborns.
It is important to note that the studies included in this meta-analysis were published between 1984 and 2023 and originated from various countries around the world. This breadth of data strengthens the validity and generalizability of the study findings.
The link between prenatal cannabis exposure and adverse birth outcomes has significant implications for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. This study highlights the importance of educating women about the potential risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. By raising awareness about these risks, healthcare professionals can help guide pregnant individuals towards making informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Future research in this area could focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms through which cannabis affects fetal development, as well as the long-term consequences for children exposed to cannabis in utero. This knowledge could pave the way for targeted interventions and support systems to mitigate the risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure and promote healthier birth outcomes.
In conclusion, this study underscores the heightened risk of adverse birth outcomes associated with prenatal cannabis exposure. By shedding light on this issue, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in promoting the well-being of mothers and their infants by providing accurate information and support regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
