everybody says weed is good for the baby: beliefs and attitudes regarding perinatal marijuana use...
TRANSCRIPT
Everybody says weed is good for the baby: Beliefs and attitudes regarding perinatal marijuana use from the perspectives of pregnant women who report continued use.
Chang JC, Tarr JA, Holland CL, Rodriguez KL, Sheeder J, Kraemer K, Day N, Rubio D, Arnold
RMUniversity of Pittsburgh
Study Funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) R01DA026410-03SI
Background Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug
during pregnancy in the United States.
Two states have recently legalized recreational marijuana use (Colorado & Washington)
In 11 states, 50% residents support legalizing marijuana
Limited information is known about women’s attitudes & concerns about perinatal marijuana use
Objectives
To describe what pregnant women who use marijuana think about marijuana use during pregnancy, their reasons for use, and their concerns for potential consequences.
Study Setting
Hospital-based clinic in an urban academic medical center
Marijuana use is currently illegal in Pennsylvania
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with pregnant women who used marijuana to explore:
Use prior to pregnancy compared to use during pregnancy
Reasons and concerns about use during pregnancy
Participant Characteristics
17 women Age: 19-36 years;
Mean 27
65% African American
18% Caucasian
17% Other
47% high school graduates
23% some college education
18%grade school
12% associates degree
Participant Characteristics
47% Income level <$4,999/year
Gravida mean=3.2 ± 1.9; Range: 1 - 7
Para mean=1.2 ± 1.6); Range: 0 - 5
Marijuana is “natural” Helps with nausea and appetite Decreased use during pregnancy Limited information about risks Primary perceived risk is child
protective services
Themes
Marijuana is “natural”
I consider crack cocaine, you shouldn’t do that. But marijuana, you can actually grow that….
It is just like, it is from the earth. I don’t want to sound like a hippie, but it is from the earth.
Helps with nausea and appetite
…I don’t want to smoke marijuana but it helps me not being sick ….
Decreased use during pregnancy
I was a heavy smoker then, but when I found out I was pregnant, now, it is just like…I might take two puffs, and then I give it up…I used to smoke sssshhh like 5-6 blunts a day….
Limited information
There’s so much conflicting research. Like you’ll go on different sites and they say, pros and the cons. So it pretty much evens out so nobody really knows. But if there was more research….
I never once, I could not tell you one thing that happens to you when you smoke marijuana while your pregnant….I mean I know what cigarettes and alcohol does….
Concerns for potential consequences reported/CYF
She didn’t leave no punches. She said you’re going have to quit smoking because when…you have your baby and they test you and your baby, if you come back positive CYF [Child Youth and Families services] will be right there.
Conclusions Although our study participants
viewed marijuana as natural and helpful with pregnancy symptoms, they did describe reducing use and wanting more information about risks.
The primary negative consequence of perinatal marijuana use perceived by the women was the involvement of child protective services.
Limitations
Majority subjects African American Pennsylvania is a non-legal state Perspectives only from pregnant
women who use marijuana
Practice Implications
Counseling discussions regarding perinatal marijuana use need to include medical & health information and resources, rather than relying on legal threats or child custody concerns.
Need more research
[I told my friends] “I’m doing a research study.” They were like, ‘You are so stupid. You are going to get in trouble.” I’m like, “No I’m not… I’m helping. I’m helping them learn.” It is just like everyone tries to say, it is just bad. It is going to hurt the baby. So, I want to see what happens. I want to know….