Cannabis and Pregnancy: Factors Associated with Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women and the Consequences for Offspring Neurodevelopment and Early Postpartum Parenting Behavior

Purpose of review: To provide a narrative summary of the epidemiology of prenatal cannabis use, the known reasons for use, the effects of in utero cannabis exposure on offspring neurodevelopment and impact on mother-infant attachment. Recent findings: Compelling evidence from human imaging studies suggest that in utero cannabis exposure disrupts early brain development and has long-term behavioral consequences for the offspring. Maternal postpartum cannabis use may diminish the maternal-infant bonding process and quality of caregiving. Summary: The combination of increasing trends in prenatal cannabis use, low perceived risk, and increasing potency pose a serious challenge for the clinical and public health communities. Additional research is needed to understand the consequences of in utero exposure as well as postnatal maternal impacts that diminish the quality of caregiving. Most importantly, clinical cessation programs are needed to support women who enter pregnancy with cannabis dependency.