The use of cannabis during pregnancy has increased in recent years(1) and has surfaced as the most commonly used drug, excluding alcohol and tobacco, among pregnant women in the United States. Recent estimates indicate the rate has doubled from 2017 to 2022(2) and these numbers are still increasing post COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase in frequency is likely the culmination of legislation and decriminalization of cannabis, which most likely
decreases the public perception of any risk associated with maternal cannabis consumption during pregnancy(3).
Recent epidemiological studies indicate an impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on neonatal health and neurodevelopment(4).
Specifically, prenatal cannabis exposure is related with physical neonatal health metrics such as birth weight, birth timing and infant growth restriction, but also characteristics related to childhood and adolescent neurodevelopment and brain function such as executive function, and neurobehavioral traits such as psychopathy and behavioral development(5).
It is also possible that prenatal cannabis exposure may be related to learning disorders, autism, and may increase the risk of neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit, and psychosis in adulthood(6).
Cannabis is disruptive is that it crosses the placenta and impacts the developing neonatal endocannabinoid system(7).
Disturbance of the endocannabinoid system may alter structural and functional neurodevelopment, brain growth, and nervous system functioning in later life. In light of the dire need of more research on the impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure on infant development, a recent study investigated the molecular impact of prenatal cannabis exposure(8).
This study identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course.
This is an important finding because it indicates there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.
There is an accumulating amount of evidence indicating a causative link between prenatal cannabis exposure and adverse outcomes in exposed children. This is of serious concern because many pregnant women use cannabis and cannabis-containing products to alleviate pregnancy symptoms and anxiety.
In support of the above study, a recent systematic review was conducted to synthesize empirical research investigating associations between prenatal
cannabis exposure and regulatory abilities and problems in children aged 0–6 years(9).
Findings indicate that diminished regulatory abilities such as the ability to understand and manage your own behavior and reactions are more likely to be found in infants after prenatal cannabis exposure, while specific regulatory problems tend to be more frequently found after two years of age.
Potential mechanisms are related to changes in methylation (chemical modification of genes which affect the activity) and expression (i.e. function) of key genes involved in dopaminergic, opioid, and endocannabinoid systems, increased cortisol reactivity and altered Secretory Immunoglobulin A levels (key marker of mucosal immune function). Additionally, prenatal cannabis exposure has been associated with changes in brain structure and connectivity.
Recent research indicates that cannabis use during pregnancy can cause molecular changes in the genes of exposed children, impacting brain development. Research also identified significant DNA alterations in genes related to neurodevelopment, suggesting a direct link between prenatal cannabis exposure and developmental issues.
These findings are especially concerning as cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing, particularly for alleviating pregnancy-related symptoms. The study highlights the need for better guidance on
the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy to prevent potential long-term impacts on children.
While understanding the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy is crucial for making informed decisions, it's just as important to focus on postpartum recovery.
If you're a woman looking to rebuild core strength and address common challenges like diastasis recti after pregnancy, check out our guide on 'The 10 Best Diastasis Recti Exercises for Ab Recovery' here.
References:
1. Singh S, Filion K, Abenhaim H, et al: Prevalence and outcomes of prenatal recreational cannabis use in high‐income countries: a scoping review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 127:8-16, 2020
2. Volkow ND, Han B, Compton WM, et al: Self-reported Medical and Nonmedical Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women in the United States. Jama 322:167-169, 2019
3. Bayrampour H, Zahradnik M, Lisonkova S, et al: Women's perspectives about cannabis use during pregnancy and the postpartum period: An integrative review. Prev Med 119:17-23, 2019
4. Medicine. NAoSEa: The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: the current state of evidence and recommendations for research. , in Medicine NAoSEa (ed). The National Academies Press, The National Academies Press, 2017
5. Ikeda AS, Knopik VS, Bidwell LC, et al: A Review of Associations between Externalizing Behaviors and Prenatal Cannabis Exposure: Limitations & Future Directions. Toxics 10, 2022
6. Nashed MG, Hardy DB, Laviolette SR: Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure: Emerging Evidence of Physiological and Neuropsychiatric Abnormalities. Front Psychiatry 11:624275, 2020
7. Wu CS, Jew CP, Lu HC: Lasting impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure and the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the developing brain. Future Neurol 6:459-480, 2011
8. Noble AJ, Adams AT, Satsangi J, et al: Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with alterations in offspring DNA methylation at genes involved in neurodevelopment, across the life course. Molecular Psychiatry, 2024
9. Reyentanz E, Gerlach J, Kuitunen-Paul S, et al: Systematic review: the impact of maternal pre-and postnatal cannabis use on the behavioral and emotional regulation in early childhood. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 2024
