Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasingly common, and healthcare providers are often asked to counsel patients on potential risks and long-term effects. In this webinar, Dr. Jamie Lo, MD, MCR, provides an evidence-based overview of the latest research on prenatal cannabis exposure.

The presentation reviews current data on pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and potential long-term child health effects associated with cannabis use in pregnancy. Designed for healthcare professionals, this session highlights emerging research and offers practical guidance to support informed, evidence-based patient counseling in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Dr. Jamie Lo is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oregon Health & Science University. She is a physician scientist, board-certified in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and clinically cares for patients with high-risk pregnancies. Her research focuses primarily on the impact of prenatal environmental exposures, especially substance use, on pregnancy, placental, and offspring health.

Substance use during pregnancy and breastfeeding raises many questions for both healthcare providers and families. In this webinar, genetic counselor Sophia Bradley, MS, CGC, provides an evidence-based overview of the latest research on exposures to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

The presentation reviews current data on potential risks, outcomes, and clinical considerations when counseling patients about substance use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Designed for newborn care specialists and healthcare professionals, this session highlights key insights to support informed, evidence-based conversations with patients.

Sophia Bradley is a certified genetic counselor and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. She also serves as a teratogen information specialist with MotherToBaby, where she provides exposure counseling, presents educational seminars, and contributes to the development of public health resources.

This free webinar features Sura Alwan, MSc, PhD, from the University of British Columbia and Executive Director of the PEAR-Net Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy fetal development through evidence-based information, research, and advocacy. Dr. Alwan is a leading expert in the field of perinatal pharmacology and maternal health, with extensive experience studying the effects of medications on pregnancy outcomes.

In this session, Dr. Alwan provides the most up-to-date information on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications for depression and anxiety, yet their use during pregnancy can raise important questions for both healthcare providers and expectant parents. Drawing from the latest research, Dr. Alwan discusses what is known about SSRIs and fetal development, the potential risks and benefits of treatment, and how this information can guide decision-making in clinical care and family planning.

This webinar is designed to support healthcare professionals, researchers, and families alike in navigating the complex considerations surrounding mental health treatment during pregnancy. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the evidence and practical strategies to support maternal and child health.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are the leading preventable causes of developmental disabilities, yet they often go undiagnosed. In this webinar, Noemi Alice Spinazzi, MD, FAAP, from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, explores the latest research on FASD and its impact on children and families. 

Dr. Spinazzi provides a comprehensive overview of how FASD presents across developmental stages, the challenges of accurate diagnosis, and the importance of early identification. She also highlights current early intervention strategies that are making a difference in the lives of children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. 

This session is ideal for pediatricians, healthcare providers, educators, and public health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of FASD and strengthen their ability to support early diagnosis and effective interventions. 

In this session, Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, a perinatal epidemiologist from UC San Diego and Principal Investigator of MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies, reviews what is known and what still requires further study on the use of alcohol, cannabis and other substances by breastfeeding women, and how this translates to clinical practice. Participants should leave this session with a better understanding of the potential effects of substance use on infant growth and development, how knowledge gaps in this area are being addressed, and how to translate current knowledge into clinical situations in midwife practice.

Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the potential short- and long-term impacts of maternal substance use on infants and learn how ongoing research is addressing current knowledge gaps. The session will also focus on translating this evidence into practical clinical guidance, including strategies for counseling breastfeeding women, supporting informed decision-making, and integrating risk assessment into midwifery care.

This webinar is designed to enhance the knowledge and clinical skills of midwives and other healthcare providers involved in maternal-child health.

Continuing Education (CE) credits are available for ACNM members and non-members who view this session via the ACNM Online Learning Center.