The percentage of pregnant women who reported using marijuana almost doubled, according to a research letter published in "JAMA Pediatrics." (Photo: Getty Images / iStockphoto)

According to federal data, the number of pregnant women who reported using marijuana in the past two decades has almost doubled.

Although rare, prenatal use is growing. Between 2002 and 2016, marijuana use among pregnant women increased from 2.85% to almost 5%, according to data from the National Drug Use Survey in the United States. Of the 12,000 women surveyed aged 18 to 44, 3,500 reported using the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy, a critical period in the baby's development.

The results were reported in a research letter published this week in JAMA Pediatrics.

"Unlike the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, prenatal cannabis use has not decreased, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy, a key phase of neural development of the fetus," said the authors of the letter.

A call to stop using prenatal marijuana

The authors of the letter did not explain why there had been a slight increase in prenatal consumption, but more and more states have eased their marijuana laws for recreational purposes and to increase their use of marijuana. still others are considering it. In another study published in JAMA, pregnant women reported using marijuana to treat severe nausea and vomiting.

The researchers found that the increase in the use of cannibis in pregnant women was similar in various subgroups of women.

The researchers of the letter also called on pregnant women to stop using marijuana.

"Increased public awareness of the consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure on the health of offspring is necessary."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also warned pregnant women that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active chemical in cannabis, can affect the baby's development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women avoid the drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Fewer pregnant women smoke, drink

According to federal data, fewer pregnant women drink and smoke. (Photo: Getty Images)

The data also showed a decrease in the percentage of pregnant women who report drinking and smoking.

Smoking declined the most: 17.5% of women reporting smoking in 2002, compared to 10.3% in 2016. Researchers found that smoking was less pronounced for black women aged 26 to 44 and women who have not completed high school.

Alcohol consumption has remained relatively constant: about 10% of women reported drinking during pregnancy in 2002 and 8.5% in 2016.

Studies vary on the amount of alcohol safe for a pregnant woman, but excessive drinking can result fetal alcoholism disorder.

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