Smoking during pregnancy has well-documented negative effects on birth weight in infants and is linked to several childhood health issues. Researchers from the University of Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that prenatal marijuana use can also impact infant weight and can influence behavioral problems, especially when associated with tobacco use.
“Almost 30% of women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy also report using marijuana,” said Rina Das Eiden, senior researcher. “This number is likely to increase as many states move towards legalizing marijuana, so it is imperative that we know what effects prenatal marijuana use can have on infants.”
The researcher studied nearly 250 infants and their mothers. Of these, 173 of the infants had been exposed to tobacco and / or marijuana during pregnancy. None were exposed to significant amounts of alcohol.
Smoking cannabis during pregnancy impacts infant height
Rina Das Eiden found that infants who had been exposed to tobacco and marijuana, especially in the third trimester, were smaller, less heavy, in weight, had a smaller head size, and were more likely to be premature. These results were more significant in boys than in girls.
“Our results suggest that interventions with women who smoke cigarettes or use marijuana during pregnancy should also focus on reducing stress and helping them cope with negative emotions,” explained the researcher. “It may help reduce exposure to prenatal substances and subsequent behavioral problems in infants.”
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