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Pregnant moms should be wary of cannabis use as it could lead to neurodevelopmental issues in their babies. 

A new study presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2024 has unveiled alarming findings regarding the potential consequences of prenatal cannabis use disorder (CUD) on the neurodevelopmental health of offspring.

The research, conducted by experts at Curtin University in Australia, sheds light on the profound impact of maternal cannabis use on the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) in children.

Analyzing data from over 222,000 mother-offspring pairs in New South Wales, Australia, the study utilized a comprehensive approach, leveraging linked data from health registries to confirm both prenatal CUD exposure and neurodevelopmental disorder outcomes.

The findings revealed a stark correlation between prenatal CUD and heightened risks of ADHD, ASD, and ID in offspring, with children born to mothers with prenatal CUD demonstrating a 98% increased risk of ADHD, a 94% increased risk of ASD, and a 46% increased risk of ID compared to those without such exposure.

Moreover, the study uncovered synergistic effects between prenatal CUD and maternal smoking, as well as other pregnancy complications, amplifying the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.

Children born to mothers with both prenatal CUD and a history of smoking during pregnancy exhibited an even higher risk of developing ADHD, ASD and ID, emphasizing the complex interplay of various factors in determining neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Lead researcher Abay Woday Tadesse highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures and preconception counseling to mitigate the potential adverse outcomes associated with prenatal cannabis use.

Professor Rosa Alati, senior author of the study, underscored the importance of increasing awareness among women planning to become pregnant about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.

"These findings highlight the need to increase awareness of the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy among women planning to become pregnant," Alati said, per Neuroscience News.

"This study is unique because it utilizes linked data with confirmed diagnoses, providing a more robust picture of the potential risks associated with prenatal cannabis use."

Dr. Julian Beezhold, Secretary General of the European Psychiatric Association, emphasized the significance of public health education campaigns and clinical interventions to raise awareness about the potential risks of prenatal cannabis use.

He stressed the importance of supporting women in making informed decisions regarding their health and the well-being of their children, echoing the urgent call for proactive measures to address this pressing public health concern.