New Guidelines Emphasize Caution Against Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals are strongly advised to avoid cannabis consumption, according to the latest guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Healthcare professionals are encouraged to routinely discuss any cannabis use with their patients before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal health. The rise in cannabis use during pregnancy in the United States, driven by wider legalization and social acceptance, has prompted these recommendations.

Studies indicate that cannabis use among women of childbearing age more than doubled between 2002 and 2017, highlighting the increasing prevalence of such behaviors. The psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and be transferred via breast milk, affecting fetal development. Research has identified cannabinoid receptors in fetuses as early as five weeks, raising concerns about early exposure.

The new guidance links cannabis consumption during pregnancy with adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, increased neonatal intensive care admissions, and perinatal death. There is also concern about potential long-term neurodevelopmental issues, including attention deficits and learning difficulties. Despite these associations, data on the safety of cannabis during pregnancy remain limited.

ACOG recommends against drug testing pregnant women through hair, urine, or other samples, as these methods can lead to discrimination, especially against minority populations. Instead, healthcare providers should adopt an empathetic approach through open conversations and screening methods that focus on building trust.

Many pregnant women use cannabis to manage symptoms like nausea, stress, or anxiety. However, ACOG emphasizes that better symptom management through alternative practices such as dietary adjustments, exercise, or approved medications could reduce reliance on cannabis. Effective communication between clinicians and patients is key to understanding individual needs and providing appropriate support.

Legal and cultural shifts underscore the importance of informed conversations about cannabis use. Healthcare providers are urged to stay aware of local laws, as substance use during pregnancy may involve legal repercussions or child protection interventions in some regions.

For further information, the CDC offers resources on the potential impacts of cannabis during pregnancy. Overall, the guidance aims to promote safer pregnancy outcomes through informed, nonjudgmental discussions about cannabis use.