Helping pregnant women reduce cannabis use through physical activity
Official title: Development of a lifestyle physical activity intervention to reduce risk for perinatal cannabis use
Funded at Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) · NIH-10795012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a supportive exercise program for pregnant women who use cannabis, especially those dealing with feelings of anxiety or depression, to help them feel better and possibly reduce their cannabis use during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $220,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA055317-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are currently using cannabis and experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not use cannabis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a physical activity intervention specifically designed for pregnant women who are using cannabis. It addresses the increasing rates of cannabis use among this population, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. The intervention will focus on providing support and coping strategies through physical activity, which may help reduce cannabis use and improve overall well-being during pregnancy. The approach is based on pilot data indicating that many women have conflicting feelings about their cannabis use and face difficulties in quitting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a supportive intervention that helps pregnant women reduce their cannabis use, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using physical activity interventions to support mental health in pregnant women, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Battle, Cynthia L. — Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
- Study coordinator: Battle, Cynthia L.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.