The use of cannabis during pregnancy has been found to significantly affect prenatal growth. Babies born to mothers who consume the drug have lower birth weights, smaller head circumferences, and reduced brain growth. With the legalization of cannabis in the U.S., there has been an increase in its use during pregnancy, with some women even using it to alleviate morning sickness in the early stages. However, it has long been known that the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can pass through the placenta and enter the fetus’s bloodstream, activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and potentially harming the child’s development.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, babies born to mothers who consumed cannabis weighed an average of 79 grams less and were 0.5 cm smaller. In contrast, cocaine use reduced birth weight by 93 grams and body length by 0.7 cm. A recent study conducted by a research group led by Beth Bailey of Central Michigan University found that birth weight was reduced by an impressive 185.1 grams, and newborns were 0.94 cm shorter. Unlike previous studies, this one also showed a reduction in head circumference by 0.79 cm, indicating impaired brain development. The researchers also analyzed the influence of cannabis use during different stages of pregnancy, finding that even babies born to women who only consumed cannabis in the first trimester had a birth weight that was 154.0 grams lower than a control group without cannabis use.
The study found that the effects on body length and head circumference were not significant when cannabis was consumed in the first trimester. However, women who consumed cannabis in the first and second trimesters experienced a weight loss of 164.1 grams, a reduction in body length by 0.61 cm, and a significant decrease in head circumference by 0.83 cm. The study highlights the potential dangers of cannabis use during pregnancy and the need for greater awareness among expectant mothers. It is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the child, and to seek medical advice before using any substances during pregnancy.
