Why we Think This is Important
Understanding patterns of tobacco and cannabis use during pregnancy is crucial for safeguarding maternal and fetal health. The PATH study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of co-use before, during, and after pregnancy, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support pregnant women in reducing substance use and protecting against adverse outcomes.
Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with hopes and dreams for the future. However, it also comes with a responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. One crucial aspect of this is understanding the use and co-use of substances like tobacco and cannabis, and how they may impact maternal and fetal health.
A recent longitudinal analysis of data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study sheds light on this important topic. The study, spanning from 2013 to 2019, examined the patterns of tobacco and cannabis use among pregnant women before, during, and after pregnancy.
The findings revealed some concerning trends. Among the participants, those who reported using both tobacco and cannabis before pregnancy were more likely to continue using these substances during pregnancy and even relapse in the postpartum period. This is compared to women who used only tobacco or only cannabis before pregnancy.
This highlights a critical issue in maternal and fetal health – the co-use of tobacco and cannabis during pregnancy. Both substances have known adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues in the child. Therefore, understanding and addressing patterns of use/co-use is paramount to ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child.
One particularly noteworthy finding from the study was that almost half of the women who reported using both tobacco and cannabis before pregnancy transitioned to using tobacco only during pregnancy. This suggests a complex interplay between these substances and underscores the need for targeted interventions to support pregnant women in reducing or quitting substance use.
Moving forward, it is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of these dynamics and incorporate screening and intervention protocols into prenatal care. This includes providing education about the risks associated with tobacco and cannabis use during pregnancy, offering resources and support for cessation, and closely monitoring women who may be at higher risk for continued use or relapse.
Additionally, there is a need for further research to better understand the underlying factors driving tobacco and cannabis use during pregnancy. This includes exploring social, economic, and psychological determinants, as well as examining the effectiveness of different intervention strategies in supporting pregnant women in reducing substance use.
In conclusion, the findings from the PATH Study underscore the importance of addressing tobacco and cannabis use among pregnant women. By implementing comprehensive and evidence-based interventions, we can work towards ensuring healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mothers and their children.
Powers, Jessica M et al. “Use and co-use of tobacco and cannabis before, during, and after pregnancy: A longitudinal analysis of waves 1-5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study.” Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 10.1037/adb0001004. 18 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1037/adb0001004
