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Pregnant people’s perspectives on cannabis use during pregnancy: A systematic review and integrative mixed-methods research synthesis
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  • Meredith Vanstone,
  • Janelle Panday,
  • Anuoluwa Popoola,
  • Shipra Taneja,
  • Devon Greyson,
  • Sarah McDonald,
  • Rachael Pack,
  • Morgan Black,
  • Beth Davis,
  • Elizabeth Darling
Meredith Vanstone
McMaster University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Janelle Panday
McMaster University
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Anuoluwa Popoola
McMaster University
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Shipra Taneja
McMaster University
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Devon Greyson
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Sarah McDonald
McMaster University
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Rachael Pack
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
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Morgan Black
McMaster University
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Beth Davis
McMaster University
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Elizabeth Darling
McMaster University
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Abstract

Background: Cannabis use during the perinatal period is rising. Objectives: To synthesize existing knowledge on the perspectives of pregnant people and their partners about cannabis use in pregnancy and lactation. Search strategy: We searched MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Social Science Citation Index, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Sociology Collection up until April 1, 2020. Selection criteria: Eligible studies were those of any methodology which included the perspectives and experiences of pregnant or lactating people and their partners on cannabis use during pregnancy or lactation, with no time or geographical limit. Data collection and analysis: We employed a convergent integrative approach to the analysis of findings from all studies, using Sandelowski’s technique of “qualitizing statements” to extract and summarize relevant findings from inductive analysis. Main results: We identified 23 studies of pregnant people’s views about cannabis use in pregnancy. Comparative analysis revealed that whether cannabis was studied alone or grouped with other substances resulted in significant diversity in descriptions of participant decision-making priorities and perceptions of risks and benefits. Studies combining cannabis with other substance seldom addressed perceived benefits or reasons for using cannabis. Conclusions: The way cannabis is grouped with other substances influences the design and results of research. A comparative analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding why a pregnant person might choose to use cannabis in order to foster dialogue about perceptions of benefit and strategies for risk mitigation.
May 2022Published in Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health volume 67 issue 3 on pages 354-372. 10.1111/jmwh.13363