The discussion around cannabis use during pregnancy has grown, especially with changing legal landscapes. Many individuals wonder about the potential effects of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes. This article explores the current scientific understanding regarding cannabis use and its possible connection to miscarriage, along with broader implications for pregnancy health.
Current Understanding of Cannabis and Miscarriage Risk
Research into the association between cannabis use and miscarriage risk presents a complex picture. While some studies indicate an increased risk, direct causation is challenging to prove due to factors like cannabis potency, methods of use, and co-occurrence with other substances known to affect pregnancy outcomes.
Despite these complexities, many studies suggest an elevated risk. Some research indicates women who use cannabis face an increased miscarriage risk, though findings are not always consistent. Additionally, a link exists between male cannabis use before conception and an increased miscarriage risk for their partners. This association persisted even when the woman’s own cannabis use was considered.
How Cannabis May Impact Early Pregnancy
Cannabis, primarily through its main psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a natural signaling system that plays an important role in various reproductive processes, including fertilization, embryo development, embryo implantation, and placental development.
THC can cross the placenta and interfere with this system. Disruptions to the ECS by THC can lead to abnormal embryo development or implantation issues. For example, studies show THC can alter signaling molecules, leading to abnormal embryo development. This interference could contribute to adverse outcomes, including miscarriage.
Broader Pregnancy Concerns Related to Cannabis Use
Beyond miscarriage, cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with other adverse outcomes. THC readily crosses the placenta and can reach the developing fetus, affecting its growth and development. Research indicates associations with preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Cannabis exposure during pregnancy is also linked to an increased risk of low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth, and babies being small for gestational age. Some studies suggest a higher risk of stillbirth, though this finding can be influenced by confounding factors like cigarette smoking.
Concerns exist about neurodevelopmental effects in children, including impacts on memory, attention, problem-solving, and behavior that may persist into adolescence and young adulthood.
Official Health Guidance and Safe Practices
Major health organizations advise against cannabis use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend complete avoidance of cannabis for pregnant individuals. This guidance stems from the understanding that there is no known safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy.
The active chemicals in cannabis, including THC, can pass from the mother to the developing fetus through the placenta and into breast milk. Given these risks, medical professionals discourage cannabis use for any purpose, including to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and recommend exploring alternative therapies with established safety data.
Individuals who have used or are currently using cannabis during pregnancy are encouraged to have open conversations with their healthcare providers to discuss their options and ensure appropriate care.