The Effects of Maternal Marihuana Use During Pregnancy on Fetal Growth

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature and presents findings from an epidemiologic study conducted in Boston, MA concerning the effects of maternal marihuana use during pregnancy on fetal growth. After controlling for potentially confounding variables, a positive maternal urine assay for marihuana during pregnancy and/or in the immediate postpartum period was associated with a 79 g decrease in birthweight (p = 0.04) and a 0.5-cm decrement in length (p = 0.02), compared to nonusers. No association between prenatal marihuana use and congenital anomalies, shortened gestation, or decreased head circumference was found. The effects of marihuana on neonatal body composition suggest that impaired fetal growth may have been caused by fetal hypoxia. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed. [References: 21]