Effects of Prenatal Cannabis Use on Newborns
Author Information
Author(s): Kleinhans Natalia M., Johnson Allegra J., Larsen Sarah F., Berkelhamer Sara K., Larimer Mary E., Dager Stephen R.
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is associated with altered birth outcomes in obstetrically low-risk women.
Conclusion
Prenatal cannabis exposure is linked to lower birth weight and shorter length for gestational age in newborns.
Supporting Evidence
- PCE newborns weighed less than controls, at the 38th percentile for weight.
- PCE newborns were shorter for gestational age, at the 40th percentile for length.
- Female PCE newborns had smaller head circumference compared to male PCE newborns.
Takeaway
Using cannabis during pregnancy can make babies smaller and shorter than expected.
Methodology
Observational cohort study comparing birth outcomes of newborns exposed to cannabis versus controls.
Potential Biases
Polysubstance use verification relied on self-reporting.
Limitations
Small sample size and inconsistent group matching.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women aged 21-40 from Washington and Oregon.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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