Researchers from multiple US institutions have suggested a link between cannabis use and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP).
NVP, often referred to as “morning sickness,” impacts 70-80% of pregnant women. It typically presents around 6-8 weeks into pregnancy and usually disappears by 16-20 weeks; although in some cases in may continue to birth. While most women experience mild to moderate symptoms, a small percentage develop hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which requires medical intervention.
The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown but may be caused by changing levels of estrogen and the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Where legal, cannabis is quite commonly prescribed these days to combat nausea associated with chemotherapy. But it seems it could actually cause nausea, or perhaps exacerbate it, in pregnant women.
A cross-sectional study using data from 356,343 pregnancies between 2011 and 2022 looked into preconception and prenatal cannabis use and its association with first-trimester nausea and vomiting. Cannabis use prevalence was 11.3% overall – with 2.7% using it daily, 2.4% weekly, 6.3% monthly or less.
The study found preconception and prenatal cannabis use were associated with increased odds of both mild and severe NVP during the first trimester of pregnancy. The highest odds were noted among those using cannabis daily before or during early pregnancy. The researchers concluded their findings underscored the need for patient education and medically appropriate therapies for NVP management.
The study has been published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Other research has found many women may not be aware of potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy. A study out of the University of Georgia College of Public Health published last year found 70.9% of pregnant women surveyed did not perceive any risk associated with weekly marijuana use. The researchers said adverse outcomes for the child can include low birth weight, growth restriction of the fetus, premature birth, stillbirth, and neurodevelopmental effects. Effects on women can include cannabinoid hyperemesis; also known as “scromiting“.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published an explainer on the potential health effects of using cannabis during pregnancy. Beyond the pregnancy, the US FDA provides advice concerning using cannabis, including CBD (cannabidiol), when breastfeeding.
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