Cannabis use during pregnancy: A closer look at prevalence and awareness

To estimate the prevalence of pregnant women using cannabis during pregnancy in Marseille, and to determine their socio-demographic characteristics and general knowledge on the subject. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological investigation in the maternity wards of Hôpital Nord and Hôpital de la Conception. We distributed a questionnaire to eligible patients hospitalized after delivery, designed to gather socio-demographic and gynecological information, as well as information on cannabis, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use habits, and knowledge of the consequences of such use. We distributed the questionnaires over a 6-month period between April and September 2023. 503 responses were analyzed. The proportion of patients who had used cannabis during pregnancy was 2.7% [1.3 - 4.1]. Cannabis was overwhelmingly consumed in the form of a smoked joint. There was no difference in socio-demographic characteristics between the groups of patients who used cannabis and those who did not. The majority of women surveyed (79%) felt that cannabis use was harmful to both mother and fetus. Although cannabis use during pregnancy may seem marginal, it remains the most widely used illicit substance. Even if estimating this consumption is difficult, it remains a topical concern.