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In a recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), it has been revealed that the simultaneous use of cannabis and nicotine during pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of poor health outcomes for newborns compared to the use of either substance alone.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study discovered that infants born to mothers who used both substances throughout their pregnancy faced a greater risk of being small for gestational size, experiencing preterm delivery, or even death.
Dr. Jamie Lo, the corresponding author of the study and an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU, emphasized the importance of early clinical counseling, particularly during the preconception and prenatal stages. Lo stated, “With the growing legalization of cannabis around the country, there is often a perception that cannabis is safe in pregnancy. Because we know that many people who use cannabis often use tobacco or nicotine products, we wanted to better understand the potential health implications on both the pregnant individual and the infant.”
The study, which analyzed hospital discharge data and vital statistics from over 3 million pregnant patients, revealed alarming statistics. Infants born to mothers who used both cannabis and nicotine were four times more likely to die compared to non-users. Additionally, the rate of infant death was nearly two times higher compared to those who used only cannabis or nicotine.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Adam Crosland, stressed the importance of supporting pregnant individuals with evidence-based recommendations and treatment options. He said, “Our findings suggest that avoiding the use of just one of these substances can decrease the pregnancy risks we see when both substances are used together, which is a critical piece of information providers can highlight when counseling patients.”
The research team also included Dr. Eliot Spindel and Dr. Cindy McEvoy, who are investigating methods to mitigate negative respiratory outcomes among children born to parents who smoke during pregnancy. Dr. McEvoy’s team found that vitamin C supplementation to pregnant women unable to quit smoking cigarettes significantly improves airway function and respiratory health in their offspring.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to delve deeper into the effects of combined cannabis and nicotine use, including factors such as potency, frequency, and timing of use. They also aim to explore prenatal interventions, such as vitamin C supplementation, and other treatment options for individuals who are unable to quit smoking during pregnancy.
The study underscores the importance of addressing substance use during pregnancy and highlights the need for more comprehensive education and support for expectant mothers to ensure the healthiest outcomes for both mother and child.
