| Journal | Frontiers in psychiatry |
| Study Type | Pilot Study |
| Population | Human participants |
This pilot study addresses a growing clinical challenge: prenatal cannabis use has increased significantly despite safety concerns, yet evidence-based interventions to support cessation during pregnancy remain limited. The feasibility of a non-pharmacological, behavioral intervention could provide clinicians with a practical tool to help pregnant patients reduce cannabis use.
This open pilot trial enrolled 16 pregnant individuals seeking to reduce cannabis use in a 10-week walking intervention using Fitbit tracking and 6 behavioral sessions focused on gradual step count increases. The intervention demonstrated high feasibility with 88% completion rates, strong session attendance (5.8 of 6 sessions), and excellent device compliance, with no reported adverse events. While the study was small and lacked a control group, the approach appears safe and acceptable to participants.
“This is encouraging preliminary work, but we need controlled trials with cannabis use outcomes before recommending walking programs specifically for prenatal cannabis cessation. The safety profile and participant engagement are promising signals for larger studies.”
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Table of Contents
- FAQ
- Is physical activity intervention safe for pregnant women who use cannabis?
- How effective is physical activity intervention for reducing prenatal cannabis use?
- What level of participation can be expected from pregnant cannabis users in activity-based interventions?
- Can physical activity interventions address mental health symptoms during pregnancy?
- How should clinicians approach prenatal cannabis cessation with activity interventions?
FAQ
Is physical activity intervention safe for pregnant women who use cannabis?
Yes, the 10-week prenatal walking intervention demonstrated safety with no adverse events reported among the 16 participants. The gradual increase in daily step count approach appears to be well-tolerated during pregnancy.
How effective is physical activity intervention for reducing prenatal cannabis use?
This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that a structured walking intervention may help reduce prenatal cannabis use, though larger controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy. The intervention showed feasibility and acceptability as a potential treatment approach.
What level of participation can be expected from pregnant cannabis users in activity-based interventions?
Participation rates were high, with 88% of participants completing the full 10-week intervention and attending an average of 5.8 out of 6 sessions. Compliance with Fitbit wear was also strong, indicating good acceptability of technology-assisted monitoring.
Can physical activity interventions address mental health symptoms during pregnancy?
The study assessed changes in depression and anxiety alongside cannabis use reduction, suggesting physical activity may provide dual benefits for mental health during pregnancy. However, specific mental health outcomes from this pilot study require validation in larger trials.
How should clinicians approach prenatal cannabis cessation with activity interventions?
Clinicians can consider recommending structured walking programs with gradual step count increases and activity tracking as a safe, acceptable intervention for pregnant patients seeking to reduce cannabis use. The 6-session format with wearable technology support appears practical for clinical implementation.