Cannabis Use on the Rise Among Pregnant Women in the U.S.

Cannabis use during pregnancy has been increasing, according to researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Studies have shown that past-month cannabis use among pregnant women in the U.S. has more than tripled from 2002 to 2020. Self-reported cannabis use rose from 1.5% to 5.4% over this 18-year period.

These findings were recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, shedding light on the rising prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) among pregnant women.

Medical Risks of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Medical guidelines strongly advise against cannabis use during pregnancy due to its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There are also concerns regarding long-term mental health effects on children exposed to cannabis in utero. Despite these risks, the increasing prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) among pregnant women is a pressing issue.

Study Findings on Cannabis Use Disorder in Pregnant Women

The researchers analyzed data from the Merative Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database, which includes commercially insured pregnant women aged 12–55 from 2015–2020. They identified CUD diagnoses using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.

Key findings from the study include:

A total of 893,430 pregnant women were identified, with 1,058,448 total pregnancies analyzed.

The cumulative prevalence of CUD diagnosis during pregnancy was 0.26%.

Yearly prevalence ranged from 0.22% in 2015 to 0.27% in 2018 and 2019.

Dr. Priscila Gonçalves, assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the study’s first author, noted that this research aimed to provide a broader analysis of CUD prevalence among a large sample of commercially insured pregnant women.

Possible Reasons for Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

By 2020, cannabis for medical use was legal in 34 states and Washington, D.C. Some pregnant women may be using cannabis to self-medicate, particularly for its anti-nausea properties. However, the study suggests that many of these women meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder.

Clinicians who regularly engage with pregnant women are in a unique position to address cannabis use and CUD. However, a lack of structural support for conducting interventions and fear of legal repercussions may prevent women from disclosing cannabis use.

The Need for Further Research and Intervention

Senior author Dr. Silvia Martins, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School, emphasized the importance of understanding the determinants of CUD among pregnant women. Future research should explore factors influencing CUD diagnosis, severity, and barriers to treatment.

As cannabis use continues to rise among pregnant women, healthcare professionals and policymakers must work together to develop effective intervention strategies to ensure the health and safety of both mothers and their babies.