A new study has found that stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher use of tobacco and cannabis among women who were pregnant during the pandemic.
The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health, reports substance use data from over 3,200 pregnant participants collected during the first year of the pandemic. It explores how depression, anxiety, and pandemic-related stressors were linked to substance use during pregnancy.
The study was a collaboration between Bournemouth University (BU), University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) and Charité Medical University, Berlin. Researchers also analysed 380 open-ended responses from participants describing their experiences of pregnancy and substance use during the global health crisis.
The results revealed that tobacco was the most commonly reported substance used during pregnancy, followed by alcohol, cannabis, and illicit drugs. While most participants reduced or stopped substance use after recognizing their pregnancy, some continued, often switching to vaping as a perceived safer alternative. Women reported that midwifery advice influenced decisions around substance use, including the choice to use vapes.
Professor of Reproductive Health, Edwin van Teijlingen at BU who was part of the international research team said: “Our research highlighted some of the key factors affecting pregnant individuals during the pandemic, particularly the links with maternal mental health and pandemic-related stressors.”
Professor van Teijlingen continued: “Psychological distress from worrying about the perceived threat to one’s own health, financial instability, and disrupted health care access were contributing factors in their use of substances during the pandemic.”
The study also recognised cases where substance use occurred unintentionally due to delayed pregnancy recognition. Minesh Khashu, Consultant Neonatologist and Professor of Perinatal Health at UHD said: “These findings highlight the importance of preconception education and early pregnancy awareness, so that individuals can make informed health choices.”
Lead author, Swarali Datye from Charité Medical University in Berlin said: “Our results show that substance use during pregnancy is more than a lifestyle choice and is often shaped by mental health, especially in times of crisis. Women would benefit from routine mental health screenings during pregnancy as part of standard care, along with guidance on the potential risks of prenatal substance use for themselves and their children.”
The study forms part of a larger cohort called EPPOCH (Effect of the Pandemic on Pregnancy Outcomes & Childhood Health), which examines how prenatal exposures, including maternal mental health, environmental factors and lifestyle, affect children’s health. This project is led by Dr. Melanie Conrad at the Charité Medical University in Germany.
The study coincides with the third report of the UK COVID Inquiry and was communicated to the inquiry team to help inform future healthcare systems in better supporting women during pregnancy, both during global health events and beyond.
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