Marijuana Use Prevention Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women

CE Course Description

National estimates show that between 3 and 7 percent of pregnant women report using marijuana while pregnant.  The purpose of this intermediate level continuing education course, developed using information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is to provide information on the potential effects of marijuana use, especially during pregnancy and during the postpartum period, in order to promote healthy decision-making among this population. Scientific literature on the risk factors for and adverse health consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy is examined as well as emerging and best practices to prevent or reduce such use.  In addition, key components of peer-reviewed models are discussed along with challenges and strategies involved in implementing prevention programs.

Author: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CE Course Objectives

1. Examine scientific literature on the risk factors for and adverse health consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy as well as emerging and best practices to reduce such risk.
2. Outline key components of peer-reviewed models to prevent substance use during pregnancy along with challenges and strategies involved in implementing prevention programs.
3. Summarize risk factors for marijuana use and how studies of other substance use during pregnancy may inform our understanding of marijuana use among pregnant and postpartum women.
4. Describe outcomes associated with policies to prevent and reduce marijuana and other substance use.
5. Discuss tools and resources to support marijuana use prevention among pregnant women, postpartum women, and women of child-bearing age.
6. Identify facilitating factors that promote successful evidence-based practices and programs.

CE Course Outline

Section 1: Issue Brief - Preventing the Use of Marijuana: Focus on Women and Pregnancy (20 mins)

1. Key Definitions (2 mins)
2. Women Who Use Marijuana During Pregnancy (3 mins)
3. Risk Factors for Marijuana Use (3 mins)
4. Further Contributing Risk Factors (4 mins)
5. Potency and Content of Marijuana (3 mins)
6. Harms Associated with Marijuana Use by Pregnant and Postpartum Women (4 mins)
7. Reference List (1 min)

Section 2: What Research Tells Us - Effective Practices to Prevent Substance Use During Pregnancy (30 mins)

1. Criteria for Assessing the Evidence (5 mins)
2. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) (5 mins)
3. Integrated Clinics for Pregnant and Parenting Women (5 mins)
4. Health Communication Campaigns to Change Behaviors (4 mins)
5. Contingency Management for Reducing Use (4 mins)
6. Postpartum Home Visits by Health Professionals (3 mins)
7. Policies to Prevent and Reduce Marijuana Use (3 mins)
8. Reference List (1 min)

Section 3: Examples of Effective Prevention Programs (30 mins)

1. Choosing Programs (3 mins)
2. Kaiser Permanente Early Start (5 mins)
3. Tips From Former Smokers® (Tips®) Campaign (5 mins)
4. BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program™ (5 mins)
5. University of New Mexico Milagro Program (5 mins)
6. Minimum Age of Purchase, Sale, and Server Laws (4 mins)
7. Advertising Restrictions (2 mins)
8. Reference List (1 min)

Section 4: Implementing Evidence-Based Marijuana Use Prevention Practices for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (20 mins)

1. Introduction (2 mins)
2. Key Considerations for Implementing Prevention Practices and Programs (5 mins)
3. Facilitating Factors of Implementation (5 mins)
4. Challenges to Implementing Marijuana Use Prevention Programs Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women (7 mins)
5. Reference List (1 min)

Section 5: Marijuana Use Prevention Resources for Implementation, Quality Improvement, and Evaluation of Programs (20 mins)

1. Clinical Guidelines (5 mins)
2. Implementation Planning (5 mins)
3. Quality Improvement (5 mins)
4. Evaluation (5 mins)