Effects of Maternal Cannabis Use on the Newborn at Delivery and the Perinatal Period

Abstract Background To evaluate if Activity Pulse Grimace Appearance Respiration (APGAR) scores and birthweight at delivery are different amongst newborns exposed to cannabis in utero compared to those who were not exposed to cannabis in utero. Also the rate of perinatal complications to the newborn was also examined. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing patient’s electronic health records that gave birth at a community hospital in the central valley of California in 2019. Exposure was defined as cannabis detected on universal urine toxicology testing completed on admission to hospital prior to birth/delivery. This was compared with urine toxicology testing that was negative for cannabis exposure. Results No significant difference between mothers who use cannabis and mothers who do not use cannabis during pregnancy in terms of the newborn’s one minute or five minute APGAR score. A significant difference between mothers who use cannabis compared to mothers who did not was found, in terms of the newborn’s birthweight. The rate of perinatal complications to the newborn was negligible at delivery and in the immediate perinatal period in our particular study. Conclusion To guide interventions in women of child bearing age in regards to illicit drug use in pregnancy particularly cannabis utilization. The medical knowledge of cannabis use in pregnancy is growing steadily and through continued further research; the body of knowledge can continue to grow in regards to outcomes in the newborn and the growing child.