Mums-to-be who smoke cannabis during pregnancy ‘double risk of stunting baby’s growth’

Women who smoke cannabis during pregnancy double the risk of stunting their baby’s growth, a study warns.

Risks of premature birth, lower birth weight and possible low intelligence in later life were all increased. The report came from data on 60,000 mothers in the US, Canada and Jamaica in 16 studies. Chances of newborns being small for their age rose by 61 per cent for cannabis users. And the risk of being born premature went up by 28 per cent. Scores given to newborns that assess pulse, breathing and reactions also fell by 26 per cent, the Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, US, found. Dr Greg Marchand said: “Women exposed to marijuana in pregnancy were at a significantly increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.

“Given increasing marijuana legalisation and use worldwide, raising awareness and educating patients about these adverse outcomes may help to improve neonatal health.”