Pharmacy and Wellness Review
Abstract
Pregnancy, a period of dynamic physiological changes, necessitates careful consideration of external influences on maternal and fetal health. Despite increasing legalization and prevalence, the impact of cannabis use during gestation remains a topic of significant concern and investigation.
Recent studies have shed light on the consequences of in utero cannabis exposure, encompassing both fetal and maternal outcomes. Notably, several studies have identified associations between cannabis exposure during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes, including small-for-gestational-age birth, altered neurodevelopment, preterm birth, and increased risk of neonatal morbidity. Evidence to date underscores the urgent need for education, intervention, and regulatory oversight regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
The role of pharmacists in mitigating the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy is paramount for the safety of the mother and fetus. Pharmacists are positioned to provide patient-centered care and can play a pivotal role in optimizing maternal and fetal health outcomes. By adhering to comprehensive medication management principles and leveraging their expertise in pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacists can help ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications during pregnancy, including the avoidance of cannabis.
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Bioethics and Medical Ethics Commons, Medical Biochemistry Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons, Medical Toxicology Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Other Chemicals and Drugs Commons