Impact of pregnancy marijuana use on birth outcomes: results from two matched population-based cohorts

Objective To examine associations between in utero marijuana exposure and birth outcomes. Study design In two separate cohorts (Appalachian, Rocky Mountain), data were collected from medical records. Marijuana exposure was positive based on urine drug screening at delivery, with nonexposed controls...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of perinatology 2020-10, Vol.40 (10), p.1477-1482
Main Authors: Bailey, Beth A., Wood, David L., Shah, Darshan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Apgar Score
Birth weight
Cannabis
Drug screening
Exposure
Female
Health aspects
Humans
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Infants (Newborn)
Intrauterine exposure
Low birth weight
Marijuana
Marijuana Smoking - adverse effects
Marijuana Smoking - epidemiology
Marijuana Use - adverse effects
Marijuana Use - epidemiology
Medical marijuana
Medical records
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mothers - statistics & numerical data
Mountains
Neonates
Pediatric Surgery
Pediatrics
Pregnancy
Pregnant women
Prognosis
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Summary:Objective To examine associations between in utero marijuana exposure and birth outcomes. Study design In two separate cohorts (Appalachian, Rocky Mountain), data were collected from medical records. Marijuana exposure was positive based on urine drug screening at delivery, with nonexposed controls matched on multiple factors including other substance exposure. Result Marijuana-exposed newborns ( n  = 531) had significantly worse birth outcomes than controls ( n  = 531), weighing 218 g less, 82%, 79%, and 43% more likely to be low birth weight, preterm, or admitted to the NICU, respectively, and significantly lower Apgar scores. Conclusion Marijuana exposure in utero predicted newborn factors linked to longer-term health and development issues. Effects were not attributable to other comorbidities in this study due to rigorous matching and biochemical verification of marijuana and other drug use. Findings add to growing evidence linking marijuana exposure to adverse birth and longer-term outcomes. Women should be encouraged to avoid marijuana use during pregnancy.
ISSN:0743-8346
1476-5543
DOI:10.1038/s41372-020-0643-z