Pregnancy Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are conducting a study examining stress, cravings, and the return to cannabis use in postpartum women.
Fast Facts
Currently pregnant in the third trimester
Less than monthly cannabis use now, with regular use before pregnancy
Receive up to $1135
Conducted Remotely in
South Carolina
Study Background
This study aims to better understand how stress, hormone changes, and cravings influence a return to cannabis use after childbirth.
Many women reduce or stop cannabis use during pregnancy, yet the postpartum period can be a time of heightened stress, sleep disruption, and emotional changes that may increase the risk of returning to use. Hormonal shifts, particularly changes in progesterone levels, may also play a role in cravings and substance use behavior, but this relationship is not yet well understood.
By tracking daily stress, mood, cravings, sleep, and cannabis use before and after delivery, researchers hope to identify patterns that predict return to use in the postpartum period. Findings from this study may help inform future prevention and support strategies for women during this critical transition.
Study Background
This study aims to better understand how stress, hormone changes, and cravings influence a return to cannabis use after childbirth.
Many women reduce or stop cannabis use during pregnancy, yet the postpartum period can be a time of heightened stress, sleep disruption, and emotional changes that may increase the risk of returning to use. Hormonal shifts, particularly changes in progesterone levels, may also play a role in cravings and substance use behavior, but this relationship is not yet well understood.
By tracking daily stress, mood, cravings, sleep, and cannabis use before and after delivery, researchers hope to identify patterns that predict return to use in the postpartum period. Findings from this study may help inform future prevention and support strategies for women during this critical transition.
Additional Information
This study is being done to better understand how stress, cravings, and hormonal changes influence the return to cannabis use after childbirth.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Currently pregnant in the third trimester
- Less than monthly cannabis use now, with regular use before pregnancy
- Ages 18-45
- Cannabis is primary substance of use
- Single birth pregnancy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Psychotic disorder
- Suicidal ideation
- Moderate-severe substance use disorder (other than cannabis)
- Planning on placing infant up for adoption
- Planning on using progesterone-based contraceptives postpartum for 6 months
If you choose to participate:
You will complete an initial virtual screening to confirm eligibility.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, you will provide four saliva samples over seven days to measure progesterone levels.
During that same week, you will complete brief daily smartphone surveys about stress, mood, sleep, cravings, and cannabis use.
After delivery, you will complete daily surveys for 12 weeks and a weekly at home saliva drug screen for cannabis use.
At approximately one and three months postpartum, you will again provide saliva samples over seven days and complete online questionnaires. All study activities are completed virtually.
Participants can receive up to $1,135 for completing study activities. No travel is required, and all participation is remote.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.