Social media users debate marijuana use during pregnancy
Plus, commenters discussed pain management during gynecological procedures.
Plus, commenters discussed pain management during gynecological procedures.
After a new study found that marijuana use may negatively impact fertility in people with ovaries, social media users debated whether marijuana use before or during pregnancy is safe for a developing fetus. Other discussions highlighted concerns about pain management during gynecological procedures.
In response, communicators may explain how marijuana may impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes and share information about pain management during IUD insertions and other procedures.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health:
Recent articles reported on a study published in Nature Communications on September 9 that found that marijuana use may negatively impact fertility in people with ovaries by changing how eggs mature and increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. On social media posts about the study, many commenters said that they were unsurprised by the study’s results, as previous research has shown that using marijuana during pregnancy can harm fetal development. Others alleged that the study was funded by “Big Pharma” and shared personal stories about using marijuana before and during pregnancy and having healthy babies.
On September 7, a Slate article encouraged people who are concerned about pain during IUD insertion to see an abortion provider, citing a March study that found that health care providers who specialize in “complex family planning,” which includes abortion care, are more likely to use local anesthetic during IUD insertion. In response, social media users expressed frustration about inadequate pain management during IUD insertions and similar procedures. On September 12, a Reddit user shared a post in r/Perimenopause about their experience undergoing an unmedicated endometrial biopsy. The individual said that the procedure was more painful than childbirth, generating more conversation about pain management during gynecological procedures. One commenter who identified themself as a nurse said that sedation should be offered for these kinds of procedures and recommended that the original poster file a complaint against their health care provider. Others shared their experiences with receiving inadequate pain management during endometrial biopsies and IUD insertions.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about reproductive health.
Given conversations about marijuana use, fertility, and pregnancy, messaging may emphasize that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that people who are trying to conceive, pregnant people, and breastfeeding people do not use marijuana. Some research links marijuana use to poor fetal development and pregnancy complications, as well as attention, memory, problem-solving, and behavior challenges in children who were exposed to it in utero. Communicators may also want to share resources for pregnant people and new parents with substance use disorder.
Conversations about pain during gynecological procedures provide an opportunity to remind patients that their health care provider should talk to them about pain management options before IUD insertions and other gynecological procedures. Recirculating information about IUDs and other birth control methods is recommended. Communicators may also want to share self-advocacy tips for patients.