Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes

Abstract

Marijuana is one of the most widely used substances during pregnancy in the United States. Emerging data on the ability of cannabinoids to cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus raise concerns about both pregnancy outcomes and long-term consequences for the infant or child. Social media is used to tout the use of marijuana for severe nausea associated with pregnancy. Concerns have also been raised about marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers. With this clinical report, we provide data on the current rates of marijuana use among pregnant and lactating women, discuss what is known about the effects of marijuana on fetal development and later neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes, and address implications for education and policy.

Monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twins with large interstitial deletion of chromosome 1p

“…Some observational studies, however, suggest that infants exposed to THC are at risk for lower birth weight and adverse long-term behavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes. 12 We hope that future clinical descriptions and associated chromosomal mapping of interstitial deletions will help delineate the different roles of various regions of chromosome 1p and perhaps characterize a recognizable syndrome.…”

Sex‐specific behavioural deficits induced at early life by prenatal exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55, 212‐2 depend on mGlu5 receptor signalling

“…Human studies have provided invaluable information on the detrimental effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on the offspring from the neonatal period through to early adulthood (Crume et al, 2018;El Marroun et al, 2018;Huizink, 2014;Ryan, Ammerman, & O'Connor, 2018), revealing increased tremors, startle, altered sleep patterns at birth (Calvigioni, Hurd, Harkany, & Keimpema, 2014;Volkow, Compton, & Wargo, 2017) and significant impairment of higher cognitive functions beyond infancy (Fried, 2002;Fried, Watkinson, & Gray, 1998;Grant, Campbell, & Beckert, 2018;Huizink & Mulder, 2006;Leech, Richardson, Goldschmidt, & Day, 1999;Passey, Sanson-Fisher, D'Este, & Stirling, 2014;Smith, Fried, Hogan, & Cameron, 2006). However, one weakness of human studies is that they cannot control for environmental and genetic factors.…”

Neonatal abstinence syndrome management in California birth hospitals: results of a statewide survey

“…Our findings show that there is room for increasing use of nonpharmacologic treatment strategies in the state, including breastfeeding when recommended, skin-to-skin care, and rooming-in. According to current guidelines, maternal substance use is not a categorical contraindication to breastfeeding [37,38], and mothers enrolled in methadone or buprenorphine maintenance treatment are encouraged to breastfeed regardless of dose, as only a small amount of methadone or buprenorphine passes into breast milk [39], and breastfeeding decreases incidence of NAS and pharmacotherapy [40]. In addition, our findings show that less than two-thirds of hospitals routinely provided skin-to-skin care, and less than half of hospitals routinely provide rooming-in.…”