B3330 - Cannabis exposure in pregnancy on offspring perinatal and childhood developmental outcomes - 27/06/2019

B number: 
B3330
Principal applicant name: 
Daniel J Corsi | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa (Canada)
Co-applicants: 
Professor G Davey Smith
Title of project: 
Cannabis exposure in pregnancy on offspring perinatal and childhood developmental outcomes
Proposal summary: 

Previous studies have suggested that cannabis use during pregnancy could be associated with adverse birth outcomes. Cannabis use in pregnancy may also be related to developmental impairments in the offspring. Our study will assess if these associations may be causal by looking at the ALSPAC Birth cohort, comparing mothers who did and did not use cannabis and accounting for the partner’s use of cannabis. We will examine follow-up data from the children over several years to assess potential changes in development and intelligence. Our results will inform women and their health providers on the risks of cannabis use in pregnancy and provide the best information to make safe and healthy decisions in pregnancy.

Impact of research: 
Recent data suggest that cannabis use in pregnancy may be increasing. The proposed study will provide valuable information regarding the health and safety of use during pregnancy and potential developmental effects on children. Results could be used to inform interventions at optimizing maternal care (e.g., mental health screening and substance abuse support, parenting skills training) and child brain development (e.g., speech and language, occupational, behavioural therapy, ongoing cognitive assessment) following prenatal exposure.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 24 June, 2019
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 25 June, 2019
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Cognitive impairment, Mental health, Pregnancy - e.g. reproductive health, postnatal depression, birth outcomes, etc., Statistical methods, Birth outcomes, Cognition - cognitive function, Development, Environment - enviromental exposure, pollution, Fathers, Intelligence - memory, Methods - e.g. cross cohort analysis, data mining, mendelian randomisation, etc., Offspring