New research involving almost 317,000 pregnancies suggests that marijuana use by moms-to-be could raise their odds for complications Rates of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and placental abruption rose among women who used marijuana while pregnant More must be done to caution woman that the risks of using marijuana while pregnant far outweigh any perceived benefit TUESDAY, July 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- There's a slight but significant rise in dangerous obstetric complications for pregnant women who use marijuana, new research shows. Data from almost 317,000 pregnancies in women in California found those who used the drug had higher odds for gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, weight gain that goes beyond recommended levels and a condition known as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from uterine wall). The researchers said the findings are important since "little is known about whether prenatal cannabis use is associated with maternal health outcomes during pregnancy.
" The study was published July 22 in the journal . Numerous studies have suggested that the use of cannabis during pregnancy can raise fetal risks for low birth weight, preterm birth and the need for care in a neonatal ICU. Nevertheless, some women "report using cannabis to help with sleep, depression, stress, morning sickness and pain during pregnancy, and many perceive cannabis to be a safer alternative to prescription medications," wrote a team led by , of Kaiser Permanente Norther.