Pregnant Couples Research Study

Researchers at UC San Diego are conducting a study to examine use patterns of maternal and paternal alcohol and cannabis use before, during, and after pregnancy, as part of the Parental Alcohol and Cannabis Use Before and During Pregnancy (PAC) study.

Fast Facts

Ages 18+

Less than 20 weeks pregnant

Compensation Provided

Conducted in
San Diego, CA

Study Background

UC San Diego seeks pregnant individuals, as well as their partners, who are under 20 weeks, aged 18+, who have used alcohol and cannabis in the 3 three months prior to pregnancy.

This study aims to explore how maternal and paternal alcohol and cannabis use change before, during, and after pregnancy. The study will recruit 100 pregnant individuals and 100 biological fathers of the child, collecting information on parental substance use patterns, as well as questions on general health and pregnancy-related information. Participants will complete in-person study visits at three key time points: before 20 weeks gestation, at 32 weeks gestation, and 12 weeks postpartum.

Each visit, lasting 30–45 minutes, will involve questionnaires and urine collection (at the first visit) from both parents. Eligible participants include pregnant individuals over 18 years old, less than 20 weeks pregnant and with a history of alcohol and cannabis use in the three months prior to their last menstrual period. Biological fathers must also be at least 18 years old. As an incentive, each participant will receive $50 per visit for their time and contribution to this important research, up to $150 each.

Join our compensated study today!

Study Background

UC San Diego seeks pregnant individuals, as well as their partners, who are under 20 weeks, aged 18+, who have used alcohol and cannabis in the 3 three months prior to pregnancy.

This study aims to explore how maternal and paternal alcohol and cannabis use change before, during, and after pregnancy. The study will recruit 100 pregnant individuals and 100 biological fathers of the child, collecting information on parental substance use patterns, as well as questions on general health and pregnancy-related information. Participants will complete in-person study visits at three key time points: before 20 weeks gestation, at 32 weeks gestation, and 12 weeks postpartum.

Each visit, lasting 30–45 minutes, will involve questionnaires and urine collection (at the first visit) from both parents. Eligible participants include pregnant individuals over 18 years old, less than 20 weeks pregnant and with a history of alcohol and cannabis use in the three months prior to their last menstrual period. Biological fathers must also be at least 18 years old. As an incentive, each participant will receive $50 per visit for their time and contribution to this important research, up to $150 each.

Join our compensated study today!

Additional Information

This study is being conducted to better understand how maternal and paternal alcohol and cannabis use before, during, and after pregnancy may impact maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and child development. By examining both parents’ substance use patterns and their timing, researchers aim to identify potential risks and inform strategies for improving health outcomes for families.

You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18+
  • Less than 20 weeks pregnant
  • Used alcohol and cannabis in the three months prior to pregnancy
  • Partner is the biologic father of current pregnancy and willing to participate in study
  • Speak English or Spanish

If you participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Enrollment and Consent:

    • You and your partner (the biological father of the pregnancy) will both need to agree to participate and sign consent forms.
  2. Study Visits:

    • You will attend three study visits at the following time points:
      • Before 20 weeks gestation
      • At 32 weeks gestation
      • At 12 weeks postpartum
  3. Questionnaires/Urine Sample:

    • At each visit, you and your partner will complete 11 surveys, which will take approximately 30–45 minutes total.
    • A urine sample from both you and your partner will be requested at the first visit only.
  4. Compensation:

    • Both you and your partner will receive $50 per visit, for a total of up to $150 each if all three visits are completed
 

Both you and your partner will receive $50 each per visit, for a total of up to $150 each if all three visits are completed.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.