2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
Only $90 for presenters, $140 for registered attendees and $200 for non-attendees.

Online Program

319132
Effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis


Wednesday, November 4, 2015 : 12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Jayleen Gunn, PhD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Katherine Center, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
John Ehiri, PhD, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ
Annabelle V. Nunez, Arizona Health Sciences Library, University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona, USA, Tucson, AZ
Cecilia Rosales, MD, MS, Phoenix Programs, Public Health, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ
Steven Gibson, B.S., University of Arizona, Tucson
background: As cannabis use rises among women of childbearing age, a clearer understanding of the relationship between prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and fetal health is needed. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and critically assess evidence regarding the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.

methods: Electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles were searched to identify studies that reported the effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Discrepancies were resolved by repeated review, discussion, and consensus.

results: Twenty-four of 6854 articles representing 19 unique studies met our inclusion criteria. Women who smoked cannabis during pregnancy were at an elevated risk of anemia (Pooled odds ratio [pOR] = 1.36: 95%CI=1.10-1.69). Compared to infants whose mothers did not use cannabis during pregnancy, those exposed to cannabis in utero were more likely to be born with a low birth weight ([pOR]=1.77 (95% CI=1.04-3.01), be small for their gestational age ([pOR] = 2.18 (95%CI=1.79-2.66), and have need for placement in a neonatal intensive care unit ([pOR]=2.02: 95%CI=1.27, 3.21). Infants exposed to cannabis in utero also showed a reduction of 109.42 grams in their overall birth weight (95%CI: 38.72, 180.12).

conclusions: Available evidence suggests a significant association between prenatal exposure to cannabis and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. As cannabis use gains social acceptance, pregnant women could benefit from health education on potential adverse effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Epidemiology
Public health or related education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Assess the potential risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Demonstrate an understanding of possible confounders and biases associated with the current literature

Keyword(s): Birth Outcomes, Maternal and Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a research assistant who has been the primary investigator on this subject matter for over a year. This is my second systematic review. I have been working int he world of substance use as well as MCH for around five years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5164.0: Improving Pregnancy Outcomes: Behavioral and Medical Risk Factors