A recent study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology has revealed a significant connection between cannabis use before and during pregnancy and an increased risk of experiencing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP). The research found that individuals who used cannabis daily had the highest likelihood of these symptoms, underscoring the need for greater awareness and alternative treatments for managing NVP.
The study, conducted by Kelly C. Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente Northern California in Pleasanton, analyzed data from over 356,000 pregnancies between 2011 and 2022. It discovered that both mild and severe NVP were more prevalent among those who consumed cannabis prior to or during early pregnancy. The findings suggest a potential dose-dependent relationship, with daily cannabis users facing the greatest risk of these pregnancy-related symptoms.
According to the study, 11.3% of participants reported using cannabis before pregnancy, with 2.7% using it daily, 2.4% weekly, and 6.3% monthly or less. During pregnancy, 6.5% reported using cannabis, with 0.7% using it daily and another 0.7% weekly. This data highlights the importance of understanding the implications of cannabis use during a critical period in women’s health.
