Pregnant women who use cannabis may affect brain of their babies: Study
The study done by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand
(Web Desk) - Women who use cannabis during pregnancy may be causing genetic changes in their babies, according to a study that seems to have clearly established the link for the first time in the world.
The study done by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand appears to confirm long-held assumptions that there is a correlation between maternal cannabis use and genetic makeup of offspring.
According to the researchers, pregnant women who smoke weed may be causing prenatal cannabis exposure or PCE to unborn babies, affecting their brain development.
The study found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children.
“We know cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function.
However, previous studies haven’t been able to prove that cannabis exposure has specifically caused the adverse effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed,” said Dr Amy Osborne, who led the study.
It has been seen since the Covid pandemic that more pregnant women are using cannabis. Many of them smoke weed to deal with pregnancy-related physiological changes, stress and other complications.
The researchers reached the conclusion after examining genomic data from studies in the UK and New Zealand.
“Using data from individuals at birth, aged seven, 15-17, and 27, we showed a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in exposed individuals.
We identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course," said Dr Osborne.
"This is a key finding because it suggests there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.” she said in a release from the university.
This discovery, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, seeks to create awareness about risks of cannabis use at a time when many countries are relaxing norms around the drug, making it more freely available for women.
“We hope our research will inspire further investigation ...and there will soon be clearer advice to pregnant women about the impact of cannabis use. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and will likely grow.” Dr Osborne said.
