In this month of August, a study has been published that indicates that The use of cannabis, marijuana, in pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in the baby. We want to talk to you about this study, developed by the University of Ottawa, in Canada, and others that have been carried out on the use of cannabis in pregnancy and lactation.
The important thing about this Canadian study is that it takes a very extensive sample of women who reported using cannabis in pregnancy. In Canada, recreational cannabis is legal. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why such a valuable study has been possible.
Relationship between cannabis use and the neurological development of the baby
This meta-analysis of the relationship between cannabis use and the neurological development of the baby determines that the use of marijuana in women during pregnancy: is associated with a higher frequency of anemia during pregnancy, lower newborn weight and, therefore, more admissions to neonatal intensive care units.
But, although reviews of different studies have been made and other control data have been included, it cannot be determined that behavioral disorders, Or the neurological disorders of children come just for their exposure to cannabis during their pregnancy. Since some data are contradictory to each other.
The effects of intrauterine exposure of cannabis in the behavior and neurocognitive development of newborns, compared to those not exposed to consumption are small. The analysis is difficult, so the conclusions cannot be interpreted as final.
Canadian Study on Cannabis Use
Research published in the journal Nature Medicine, by scientists at the University of Ottawa analyzed all births registered in Ontario, in a period of 5 years. From April 2007 to March 2012. The clearest conclusion is that 4 out of every 1000 children exposed to marijuana during pregnancy have been diagnosed with autism spectrum. The ratio drops to 2.42 for every 1000 who were not exposed. Therefore, scientists determine that Marijuana use increases the risk that exposed children will develop autism up to 1.51 times. This is an associative study, but not a cause-and-effect study.
Other different studies have shown that there is no effect on the overall intelligence of the baby. Yes they show a trend the decrease in attention, visual memory, the capacity for analysis and integration. In addition to a tendency to hyperexcitability in adolescents who were exposed to cannabis in the intrauterine phase. Other studies showed no changes in intelligence or behavior.
On the other hand, the effects of cannabis use by mothers during pregnancy are less clear when it comes to school performance.
Other research on cannabinoids
Previous studies to which we name, indicate that the use of cannabis during pregnancy is related to a increased risk of preterm birth. This may be because most women who use cannabis in pregnancy also use other substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and opioids.
One of the motivations that is spreading in Canada, since recreational use of cannabis is legal, for mothers is that marijuana can be used to treat nausea morning. Different experiences confirm this fact, leading to pregnant women with severe episodes of nausea to consume cannabis. Consumption is usually done in a vaporized way. This avoids the damage of combustion, if it were smoked.
The reality is that the use of cannabis in pregnant and lactating women has not, until now, been analyzed in depth. Researchers consider it very important that, as more research on cannabinoids and its consumption becomes more socially acceptable, the results are made public, so that women are better informed.