What is the potential effect of cannabis use during pregnancy?

Cannabis use during pregnancy has been associated with various adverse outcomes, and one significant risk is the higher likelihood of perinatal death. Research has indicated that the use of cannabis can negatively impact fetal development and may affect the health of the newborn at the time of delivery, leading to complications that could result in perinatal mortality.

The mechanisms through which cannabis might influence pregnancy outcomes are multifactorial. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, can traverse the placenta and can affect the developing brain and other organs of the fetus. Studies have shown that prenatal exposure to cannabis is related to increased risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies, which can in turn raise the risk of perinatal death.

The other options do not align with the current body of evidence regarding the effects of cannabis during pregnancy. Increased birth weight is not a documented effect, as cannabis use is often linked to lower birth weights. Similarly, there is no substantial evidence to support reduced risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring due to cannabis exposure; rather, studies have pointed toward an increased risk of such disorders. Stating that there are no significant effects observed contradicts the growing literature that highlights the risks associated