Some pregnant women do not believe that cannabis harms the fetus – ScienceDaily

In some cases, women perceived a lack of communication from their health care providers about the risks of cannabis, indicating that the drug could be used safely during pregnancy.

The results are described in a new journal, published in the journal Preventive medecineIn which researchers from the University of British Columbia sought to identify the latest available data on women's views on the health aspects of cannabis use during pregnancy and after childbirth and to determine if their perceptions influence decision-making in the use of the drug.

"Our research suggests that over the past decade, more women than ever before seem to consume cannabis, even though the evidence for its safety is limited and contradictory," said lead author Hamideh Bayrampour, a professor. UBC Family Department Assistant Professional investigator and researcher affiliated with the Research Institute of BC Children's Hospital. "As many jurisdictions around the world, including Canada, legalize cannabis, it is increasingly important for public health officials to understand perceptions of cannabis use and to raise awareness of health concerns related to cannabis. consumption, especially for pregnant women. "

For the review, the researchers identified six studies, all conducted in the United States, that examined women's perceptions of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Among studies, the rate of cannabis use among pregnant women has varied considerably. In a large US study, nearly 4% of women reported using cannabis in the last month, while 7% reported using cannabis in the last year. However, in another study in which researchers also tested hair and urine samples, the rate of cannabis use rose to 28%.

Pregnant cannabis users were more likely to be under the age of 25, unemployed, single or uninsured, African American, and to have low income and low education, or to consume other substances such as tobacco and alcohol. A diagnosis of anxiety or depression was also badociated with cannabis use during pregnancy.

In terms of consumption patterns, researchers found that cannabis use rates were highest in the first quarter (7.4%) and lowest in the third quarter (1.8%). Most pregnant users reported using cannabis to treat nausea early in their pregnancy.

In a study of 306 pregnant women, 35% reported being cannabis users when they realized that they were pregnant. Two-thirds of these women quit after learning that they were pregnant, but among those who continued to use cannabis, half reported using it almost daily or twice a week.

When women were asked about their perception of the general harms badociated with cannabis use, 70% of pregnant and non-pregnant cannabis users responded that they perceived a low or no risk of harm. In another study, when asked if they thought cannabis was harmful to a baby during pregnancy, 30% of pregnant women said "no". When women were asked to identify the substances most likely to harm the baby during pregnancy, 70% chose alcohol and 16%, tobacco, while only 2% chose cannabis.

Although research on the effects of cannabis on health is limited, some studies have shown an increased risk of problems for pregnant women, including anemia, low birth weight, stillbirth, and low birth weight. Admission of a newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit. Because of the potential for potential problems, many professional organizations, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, advise women not to use cannabis when trying to conceive during pregnancy or badfeeding.

Some women, however, have pointed out that not getting specific advice on the risks of cannabis use suggests that the drug is safe.

"One of the findings of our study revealed that some people did not consider cannabis as a drug," said Bayrampour. "With this in mind, it is particularly important that health care providers ask specific questions about cannabis use during pregnancy and badfeeding in order to spark a fruitful conversation about the potential health effects and risks." To help women in their decision to reduce their consumption and quit smoking. "