New study reveals more pregnant women smoke cannabis

According to new research, fewer women choose to drink and smoke cigarettes during their pregnancy than in previous years, but more choose to use marijuana.

Posted Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, the survey focused on pregnant women between 2002 and 2016. It revealed that about 10% of women smoked cigarettes during pregnancy in 2016, compared to 17.5% 14 years ago. During the same period, alcohol consumption during pregnancy increased from 10% to 8.5% among women. And although cannabis is still the least popular substance among the three to use during pregnancy, it has also been the only one to have increased. It has increased from 3% of pregnant women to almost 5% by 2016.

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The data come from about 12,000 women who responded to the national survey on drug use and health. About 3,500 respondents reported being in their first trimester, when the fetus is most vulnerable.

The document itself does not address the causes of these trends, but they align with the general patterns of behavior of American adults. For example, marijuana laws have become much more lax in recent years and fewer people are smoking cigarettes like never before. according to TIMEMost states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, and the recreational pot is licensed in nine. The popularity of alcohol has remained relatively stable.

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There is less research on the effects of marijuana use in pregnancy than data on cigarettes and alcohol (although there is no definitive conclusion about the number of drinks consumed during pregnancy), but experts generally agree that no quantity of pot is safe.

For example, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OB-GYN of Yale University and a member of PEOPLE's Health Squad, "strongly discourages women from using marijuana in any form during pregnancy."

"Even though the mother smokes only once, studies show that she crosses the placenta. The concentration of THC in the baby is therefore about 10% of that of the mother. And with repeated uses, the amount is increasing, "Dr. Minkin told PEOPLE. "The other problem is that THC binds well to fats, cell membranes, and can reach a significant level not only in the brain of the mother, but also in that of the fetus."

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Dr. Minkin cites the October 2017 opinion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [of which she is a member], who reviewed more than 40 studies on marijuana use during pregnancy.

"Studies did not find many cases of physical defects, such as heart defects, with marijuana use, but many studies show that this can affect what is called neurodevelopment and cognitive development with impaired ability. weakened: thoughts, behaviors and visual problems, "she adds.

For mothers planning to take marijuana to fight morning sickness, Dr. Minkin said "there are many other safer options … There is even data on the good old vitamin B6, which helps some women nausea during pregnancy. So, please, if you have nausea, consult your midwife or obstetrician.

Dr. Minkin also recommends not using marijuana while breastfeeding, as THC can pass into the milk.