21.07.2012
The use of marijuana is the second major reason of premature birth. It was confirmed by the research of Professor Gus Dekker from the University of Adelaide, Australia.
The research team of professional doctors has examined more than 3,000 pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand. The research has shown that Pregnant women who use marijuana can double the risk of giving birth to a baby prematurely comparing with pregnant women who never used the drug.
"Better understanding the risk factors involved in preterm birth moves us another step forward in potentially developing a test - genetic or otherwise - that will help us to predict with greater accuracy the risk of preterm birth. Our ultimate aim is to safeguard the lives of babies and their health in the longer term," Professor Dekker says.
It’s noteworthy that premature birth, even 3 weeks before the delivery date can have serious and profound negative effects on the baby’s health and development increasing the risk of health problems in his or her later life.
