Cannabis Use & Pregnancy Research Study
Researchers at Brown University and Butler Hospital are conducting a study on a physical activity program specifically designed for pregnant women to help reduce or abstain from cannabis use during pregnancy.
Fast Facts
Ages 18+
12-25 Weeks Pregnant
Used Cannabis Before Pregnancy
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Providence, RI
Study Background
Brown University and Butler Hospital are seeking women 12-25 weeks pregnant who used cannabis at least weekly in the 3 months before pregnancy.
Research suggests that prenatal cannabis use can be linked to poorer health outcomes for both mother and baby. Some women may use cannabis to help with depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms that come with pregnancy. Our study aims to understand whether pregnant women may experience improvement in these symptoms by increasing their physical activity. We will also examine whether participating in this 12-week program will help decrease cannabis cravings.
If the study is a good match for you, you will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups. Women in both groups receive a small, easy-to-use physical activity monitor (Fitbit) to help keep track of daily exercise. You will also be asked to install an app on your phone that will prompt you to answer questions about your mood, physical activity, substance use or cravings, and physical symptoms throughout the day for 7 days at 3 different time points.
Join our program and help researchers develop better interventions to help pregnant women manage their symptoms and make healthy choices!
Study Background
Brown University and Butler Hospital are seeking women 12-25 weeks pregnant who used cannabis at least weekly in the 3 months before pregnancy.
Research suggests that prenatal cannabis use is linked to poorer health outcomes for both mother and baby. Some women may use cannabis to help with depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms that come with pregnancy. Our study aims to understand whether pregnant women may experience improvement in these symptoms by increasing their physical activity. We will also examine whether participating in this 12-week program will help decrease cannabis cravings.
If the study is a good match for you, you will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups. Women in both groups receive a small, easy-to-use physical activity monitor (Fitbit) to help keep track of daily exercise. You will also be asked to install an app on your phone that will prompt you to answer questions about your mood, physical activity, substance use or cravings, and physical symptoms throughout the day for a 7-day period at 3 different timepoints.
Join our program and help researchers develop better interventions to help pregnant women manage their symptoms and make healthy choices!
Additional Information
The purpose of our research study is to develop a physical activity program specifically designed for pregnant women to help reduce or abstain from cannabis use during pregnancy.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18+ years old
- Between 12-25 weeks pregnant
- Used cannabis at least weekly in the 3 months before the current pregnancy
- Have the desire to quit or reduce cannabis use
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress
- Own a smartphone
Once enrolled, this study involves:
- Brief phone screen to determine eligibility for a baseline assessment
- Baseline assessment (2 hours) where, if eligible, you will receive a Fitbit to use during the program
- Randomization to one of the two programs.
- A lifestyle physical activity program (LPA) plus use of a Fitbit. This program will also include six short sessions with a physical activity counselor over the phone, Zoom, or in person, depending on your preference.
- A Fitbit-Only program. This program will include a one-time meeting to go over how to use the Fitbit device, receive written information on the public health recommendations for increasing physical activity, and five brief telephone check-ins to see if there are any issues or questions about the Fitbit.
- Periodic assessments by phone or in-person.
- Urine toxicology screenings at baseline, at the end of the study, and postpartum
- The app on your phone that will prompt you to answer questions throughout the day for a 7-day period at 3 different timepoints.
Participants will be compensated up to $495 for their time.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
