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Examining Cannabis Product Use During Pregnancy: A Feasibility Study
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26-135S-1
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Examining Cannabis Product Use During Pregnancy: A Feasibility Study
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Dr. Christopher Morosky
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Over the past 25 years, marijuana use in the United States has become more common and socially accepted. Recreational use is now legal in many states, and new products—such as edibles, oils, and concentrates—are widely available. At the same time, more pregnant individuals are reporting marijuana use. In fact, our recent survey showed that nearly one in four pregnant people reported using marijuana products. This trend raises concerns because some studies suggest that marijuana use during pregnancy may be linked to problems such as babies being born too early, having lower birth weights, or needing specialized medical care after birth. Other studies suggest that prenatal marijuana exposure may affect a child';s brain development, leading to challenges with memory, learning, and attention. However, past research has been limited and inconsistent. Most studies have relied on participants'; memories of their use rather than ongoing tracking, and many have only collected information at one point in time. More rigorous studies are urgently needed. Our project takes the first step toward building this evidence. The purpose of this feasibility study is to see if we can successfully recruit and retain a group of pregnant participants and if the study procedures are acceptable to them. Specifically, we plan to enroll 25 individuals in their first trimester of pregnancy through the OB/GYN clinic at UConn Health's OB/GYN clinic.. Participants will complete monthly online surveys and provide monthly urine samples during pregnancy and for one month after giving birth. This will help us understand whether these study activities are practical and manageable. We have two main goals: Recruitment and retention: Can we successfully recruit 25 participants and keep at least 80% of them engaged throughout the study? Acceptability: Do participants find the study procedures reasonable? We will measure this by tracking survey and urine sample completion and by asking participants each month how burdensome or comfortable they find the process. If we demonstrate that this approach works, it will lay the groundwork for a much larger national study. That future study will follow pregnant individuals through pregnancy and after delivery to better understand how marijuana use may affect maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and child development. Ultimately, this work will provide important information to guide healthcare providers, pregnant individuals, and policymakers in making informed decisions about marijuana use during pregnancy.
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Addiction/Substance Abuse
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Other
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Check with study contact
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Netsayi Kilembe. Telephone: Not available. Email: kilembe@uchc.edu or Taylor Reilly. Telephone: Not available. Email: tareilly@uchc.edu
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Enrolling/recruiting. For current recruitment status, please check with study contact.
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