Reproduction Abstracts

This study examines treatments including cannabis/cannabis-based products (CBP) for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Survey data was collected between April 2022-June 2024. Pearson’s Chi-Square and pairwise comparison tests were utilized to study differences in proportions. From free-text responses on whether CBP improved symptoms, we used AI-driven content analysis. Respondents (n = 5,933) from 79 countries reported their doctor prescribed medication for HG (95%) with no geographical/ethnic differences in diagnosis or prescriptions. Among 625 participants reporting cannabis use, 56% used it because prescribed antiemetics did not work well enough. Approximately half (54%) initiated use during pregnancy; 82% reported symptom relief, and 37% reported weight-gain within 2 weeks of cannabis use compared to 14% for prescription treatment. There were no ethnic/regional differences for when use began. Cannabis use was higher (P 0.001) for individuals in rural areas. A higher proportion of American Indian (23%) and Black individuals (21%) used cannabis compared to Asian (3.8%) and White (10.7%) individuals (P 0.001). Similar proportions of Asian and Black participants took ondansetron, but Asian participants were 2.3-fold more likely to report it effective (P = 0.001). Participants (n = 503) described a wide range of administration, strains, dosage, and frequency to self-medicate. While cannabis did not provide total/consistent relief, many described it allowed them to hold down food/water, stimulate hunger, and reduce symptoms. Cannabis was reportedly more effective than prescription medications in enabling pregnancy weight gain. Medication ineffectiveness may drive cannabis use and associated disparities. Survey results should be interpreted with caution until cannabis- and medication-associated maternal/child outcomes are compared.

Keywords: hyperemesis gravidarum; cannabis; ondansetron