Perceptions about cannabis use during pregnancy: a rapid best-framework qualitative synthesis

Objective

A rapid review was conducted in order to produce a streamlined and time-limited systematic evidence review to understand women’s perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.

Methods

MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, EMBASE, PsycINFO (OVID interface), and CINAHL (Ebsco interface) databases were searched from inception to March 2019. Qualitative and descriptive studies, and reviews that addressed pregnant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes about personal cannabis use were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using valid tools and data extraction was guided by suitable checklists. Full text of 18 citations was retrieved and reviewed, and 5 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Synthesis

Women who continued to use cannabis during pregnancy often perceived less risk compared with nonusers. Their uncertainty regarding adverse consequences, perceived therapeutic effects, and lack of communication with health care providers contributed to cannabis use. Women perceived this lack of counselling as an indication that outcomes of cannabis use while pregnant were not significant.

Conclusion

This synthesis highlights important factors in women’s decision-making processes regarding use or cessation of cannabis during pregnancy. In addition, the importance of health care providers providing information, education, and appropriate counselling to childbearing women is highlighted as these conversations may influence women’s perceptions of risk and help them make informed choices.