Principal Investigators:
Katie Woodruff, DrPH | UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health
Background
Evidence remains mixed about how many people use cannabis in pregnancy and what the harms of such use may be. It is clear however that cannabis use in pregnancy (CUIP) can increase the risk of low birth weight and possibly pre-term birth. Studies of CUIP rarely explore pregnant people’s reasons for and perspectives on their use.
Policymakers should consider that mandatory warning signs about cannabis use in pregnancy (CUIP) may increase stigma and further impede quality health education on CUIP.
Objective
We explored the perspectives of pregnant cannabis users, in order to inform debates regarding policies and clinical practices on CUIP.
Method
We recruited in cannabis dispensaries, social media, and prenatal clinics to find pregnant people who use cannabis regularly. We interviewed 33 people in May-August 2019. We analyzed interview transcripts to identify common themes across participants’ experiences with CUIP.
Results
Most participants reduced their cannabis use during pregnancy, though many continued daily use. Most were uncertain about health risks but perceived many benefits of CUIP. Most did not tell prenatal care providers they used cannabis, due to fear of being reported to Child Protective Services (CPS). Many providers did not ask about cannabis use at all; those that did deliver a mix of sometimes contradictory messages about health and legal risks. Participants perceived mandatory warning signs re: CUIP to be ineffective and stigma-inducing.
Conclusion
Even where recreational marijuana is legal, fears of CPS dissuade many people from discussing their cannabis use with providers, representing a missed opportunity for education, harm reduction, and support. Policymakers should consider that mandatory warning signs about CUIP may increase stigma and further impede quality health education on CUIP.