Keywords
Cannabis
complicações na gravidez
How to Cite
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and its effects on the fetus. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases using the descriptors “cannabis,” “risks,” and “pregnancy.” Inclusion criteria comprised articles published between 2018 and 2025, open access, and classified as clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews, or observational studies. Duplicate articles or those unrelated to the objective were excluded. Results: Among the 25 selected studies, 2 were clinical trials, 4 controlled clinical trials, 8 systematic reviews, and 11 observational studies. Five studies indicated an association between cannabis use during pregnancy and increased risk of premature birth; nine associated its use with fetal harm such as malformations, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age. Four studies also reported associations with cognitive delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Seven studies emphasized the importance of counseling by healthcare professionals for cannabis cessation. Additionally, two studies observed that legalization of cannabis in some regions has led to increased use among pregnant women, even when advised about the risks.
Final considerations: The review highlights the significant relevance of understanding the risks related to cannabis use during pregnancy, including its effects on fetal development and postnatal outcomes. Healthcare professionals must play a key role in informing and guiding pregnant women about these potential risks.
Keywords: pregnancy, cannabis, risks.
References
REFERÊNCIAS
Auger N, et al. Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Opioids, Cocaine, and Cannabis on Eye Disorders in Children. J Addict Med [Internet]. 2020 Jan 7;14 (6):459-66.
Baer RJ, et al. Risk of preterm and early term birth by maternal drug use. J Perinatol [Internet]. 2019; 39: 286–94
Baía I, Domingues RMSM. The effects of cannabis use during pregnancy on low birth weight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Perinatology. 2022 Jul 28;
Bartlett K, et al. Pregnant Canadians’ Perceptions About the Transmission of Cannabis in Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding and the Impact of Information From Health Care Providers on Discontinuation of Use. J Obstet Gynaecol Can [Internet]. 2020 Nov; 42(11):1346-1350.
Chang JC, et al. Beliefs and attitudes regarding prenatal marijuana use: Perspectives of pregnant women who report use. Drug Alcohol Depend [Internet]. 2019Mar 1; 196: 14-20
Corsi DJ, Murphy MSQ, Cook J. The Effects of Cannabis on Female Reproductive Health Across the Life Course. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021 Aug ; 6(4): 275-287
Crowley HR, Goyal NK, Chung EK. Marijuana and Breastfeeding: A Pilot Survey of Mothers. Hospital Pediatrics. 2022 Jun 1;12(7):e255–60.
DiGuiseppi, C, et al. Peri-Pregnancy Cannabis Use and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development. J Autism Dev Disord [Internet]. 52, pages5064–5071
Eiden RD, et al. Prenatal exposure to tobacco and cannabis: Effects on autonomic and emotion regulation. Neurotoxicol Teratol [Internet]. 2018 Jul-Aug: 47-56
Goodwin RD, et al. Cannabis use during pregnancy in the United States: The role of depression. Drug Alcohol Depend [Internet]. 2020 May 1; 210:107881
Grant KS, et al. Update on the developmental consequences of cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation. Birth Defects Res [Internet]. 2020 Sep; 112(15); 1126-1138.
Haight SC, King BA, Bombard JM, Coy KC, Ferré CD, Grant AM, et al. Frequency of cannabis use during pregnancy and adverse infant outcomes, by cigarette smoking status – 8 PRAMS states, 2017. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2021 Mar;220:108507.
Hernandez M, et al. The Role of Acculturation and Alcohol Problems on Frequency of Cannabis Use Among Latinas at Risk of an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy. Substance Use & Misuse. 2019 Jun 21. 54(12): 1980-1990.
Klebanoff MA, Wilkins DG, Keim SA. Marijuana Use during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Perinatol [Internet]. 2021Aug; 30 (Suppl 1): e146-e154
Marchand G, et al. Birth Outcomes of Neonates Exposed to Marijuana in Utero: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open [Internet]. 2022; jan 27;5 (1): e2145653
Metz TD, Borgelt LM. Marijuana Use in Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding. Obstet Gynecol [Internet]. 2018 Nov, 132(5): 1198-1210
Mumford SL, et al. Cannabis use while trying to conceive: a prospective cohort study evaluating associations with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss. Hum Reprod [Internet]. 2021 36(5): 1405–1415
Ng JH, et al. Attitudes about marijuana use, potential risks, and legalization: a single-center survey of pregnant women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med [Internet]. 2022 35:24, 4635-4643
H N Victoria, G H Kim. Prenatal Cannabis Use and Infant Birth Outcomes in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. J Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 ;vol240, p87-93
Oga EA, et al. Cigarette Smoking Status and Substance Use in Pregnancy. Matern Child Health J [Internet]. 2018 Oct; 22(10):1477-1483.
Roncero C, et al. Cannabis use during pregnancy and its relationship with fetal developmental outcomes and psychiatric disorders. A systematic review. Reproductive Health. 2020 Feb 17; 17;25
Shah DS, et al. Marijuana use in opioid exposed pregnancy increases risk of preterm birth. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med [Internet]. 2022 35:25, 8456-8461
Skelton KR, Benjamin-Neelon SE. Characteristics Associated with Prenatal Cannabis Use Vary with Legality of Recreational Cannabis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) [Internet]. 2021 . 1565-1572.
Sujan AC, et al. A systematic review of in utero cannabis exposure and risk for structural birth defects. Frontiers in Pediatrics [Internet]. 2023 May 25; 11:1149401.
Young-Wolff KC, et al. Self-reported Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cannabis Use Among Women Before and During Pregnancy. JAMA Netw Open [Internet]. 2019 Jul; 2 (7): e196471.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Carolina De Alvarez Pereira, Claudio William Alves Pereira
