As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States, growing concerns among healthcare providers have emerged regarding the potential impact of prenatal cannabis use on child development. New research conducted by scientists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers crucial insights into how cannabis exposure before birth can adversely affect children, highlighting risks that expectant mothers should be aware of.
In a recent study, significant associations between PCE and lower early childhood cognitive and behavioral performance were unraveled. Researchers estimated 250 mother-child dyads over several years, with data collection from 2016 to 2020. The findings indicated that children exposed to cannabis during pregnancy had lower cognitive development in their ability to think and problems with impulse control, attention, and planning. These children were also more aggressive, and all these factors are important in social success and academic achievement.
“While many people view cannabis as a botanical substance, its use during pregnancy is not without risk,” said Dr. Sarah Keim, lead author and principal investigator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Women are finding cannabis to be helpful in managing nausea, stress, and other symptoms related to pregnancy. But we want them to talk with their health care providers about safer alternatives.
Implications for Child Development
This study explains the long-term consequences of prenatal marijuana use on child development, including poor impulse control, problems maintaining attention, and not being able to plan successfully. These deficits not only impact their behavior in everyday situations but also hinder their learning capabilities in school settings.
Moreover, various direct observations were made regarding children’s behaviors under controlled conditions, such as in play laboratories. These observations further supported parental reports of indicating a coherent pattern of aggressive and impulsive behavior among children with prenatal cannabis exposure.
Dr. Keim said although the findings of this study agree with earlier research, the current results represent the changing face of cannabis use and its consequences. “With today’s stronger potency levels than in decades past, the risks from prenatal cannabis exposure are greater now than in the past,” she added.
Broader Context: The Rising Trend of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that cannabis use among pregnant women has continued increasing: from 4.7% in 2018 up to 5.4% in 2019. Public health officials are more concerned about their trend for child development and maternal health. Another study involving over 10,000 subjects aged 11 and 12 years had also been conducted. In this study, prenatal cannabis exposure was identified to increase the rate at which behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorders develop. These subjects were being followed through an ongoing ABCD project where the current mental health implication of prenatal cannabis use was shown.
First author David Baranger puts the findings into perspective. “The evidence suggests caution with cannabis use during pregnancy,” he said. “Although our study demonstrates a link, it cannot establish causation.”
Recommendations for Expectant Mothers
As cannabis use becomes increasingly normalized in society, the need to understand its implications at the prenatal level is highly significant, with much interest in the protection of future generations. A slowly increasing body of evidence indicates cognitive deficits and aggressive behaviors among children exposed to cannabis in utero, necessitating a second look at its use during pregnancy. As such, the wisest thing that pregnant women can do is consult health professionals to make informed decisions concerning their health and the health of the unborn children
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Conclusion
Many medical professionals, including those from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, advise against the use of cannabis during pregnancy due to the health dangers it poses for both mothers and children. Women experiencing pregnancy-related issues like nausea are encouraged to discuss alternative treatment options, other than cannabis, with their healthcare provider. This may involve developing public awareness campaigns that stress the dangers of prenatal cannabis use, perhaps educating expecting mothers on how this could affect a child in its development to reduce the risk.
