Cannabis Use Before or During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of Nausea and Vomiting: Study Finds

Researchers found that both mild and severe NVP were more common among individuals who consumed cannabis before or during early pregnancy. Notably, those who used cannabis daily had the highest odds of experiencing these symptoms, highlighting a potential dose-dependent relationship.

The cross-sectional study by Kelly C. Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, Research Scientist, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Pleasanton, CA, and colleagues examined the link between cannabis use before and during pregnancy and first-trimester nausea and vomiting (NVP) by analyzing data from 356,343 pregnancies within a major healthcare system between 2011 and 2022.

Key Findings:

• Cannabis Use Before and During Pregnancy:
  • 11.3% used cannabis before pregnancy (2.7% daily, 2.4% weekly, 6.3% monthly or less).
  • 6.5% used cannabis during pregnancy (0.7% daily, 0.7% weekly, 1.4% monthly or less, 3.7% detected via toxicology without self-reporting).
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• Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP):
  • 16.0% experienced mild NVP.
  • 3.6% were diagnosed with severe NVP.
• Impact of Cannabis Use Before Pregnancy on NVP:
  • Daily use increased the odds of mild NVP by 68% and severe NVP by 161%.
  • Weekly use increased the odds of mild NVP by 26% and severe NVP by 73%.
• Impact of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy on NVP:
  • Daily use increased the odds of mild NVP by 97% and severe NVP by 280%.
  • Weekly use increased the odds of mild NVP by 85% and severe NVP by 187%.

The study found a strong link between cannabis use before or during early pregnancy and an increased risk of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. Women who used cannabis, especially daily users, had higher chances of experiencing both mild and severe nausea and vomiting. This association could be due to cannabis withdrawal or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

"These findings highlight the importance of patient education on the potential risks of cannabis use during pregnancy and the need for safe, medically appropriate treatments for managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy," the authors concluded.

Reference:

Young-Wolff, Kelly C. PhD, MPH; Chi, Felicia W. MPH; Campbell, Cynthia I. PhD, MPH; Alexeeff, Stacey E. PhD; Ansley, Deborah MD; Vanderziel, Alyssa PhD; Lapham, Gwen T. PhD, MPH, MSW. Frequency of Preconception and Prenatal Cannabis Use and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology ():10.1097/AOG.0000000000005884, March 13, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005884