Marijuana Use During Pregnancy Increases Risk for Preterm Birth

Continued marijuana use at 20 weeks' gestation was associated with a fivefold increase in preterm births.

Many pregnant woman use marijuana to alleviate nausea and vomiting, although evidence for its efficacy is mostly anecdotal. The association between prenatal marijuana smoking and infant outcomes is uncertain due to confounding factors such as prenatal cigarette smoking.

In a prospective cohort study, 5588 nulliparous women (90% Caucasian) with singleton pregnancies were enrolled from birth centers in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom from 2004 to 2011. Assessments at 15 and 20 weeks' gestation included self-reported use of marijuana, cigarettes, and illegal psychotropic drugs during the previous 3 months and prior to conception.

Overall, 5.6% of women reported using marijuana at least once before or during pregnancy and …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics