JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Postpartum depression (PD) rates in the United States are among the highest globally, posing significant, long-term risks to mothers, children, and families. Concurrently, perinatal cannabis use (CU) is increasing and may exacerbate PD symptoms over time. While growing evidence links CU with PD, little is known about how CU influences immediate depression symptoms (e.g., negative affect) or trajectories across the perinatal period. Moreover, CU’s potential impact on mother-infant interaction quality could intensify its effects on PD.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the daily and longitudinal effects of CU on PD symptoms and mother-infant interactions. The primary aims are to: (1) examine the event-level and longitudinal impact of CU on PD symptoms; and (2) evaluate the impact of CU on mother-infant interactions and PD via multiple methods.

Methods:

Participants complete a baseline laboratory assessment during pregnancy, followed by a virtual assessment at 6 weeks postpartum and a laboratory visit at 6 months postpartum. Each assessment was accompanied by a two-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) burst, for a total of three EMA bursts. Retention visits occurred during the second and third trimesters, with a post-delivery call conducted within two weeks of birth. Recruitment was community-based (e.g., social media, flyers), enrolling 20 participants.

Results:

This project received institutional review board approval on December 19, 2022, and was awarded funding on February 1, 2023. The recruitment goal of N = 20 participants was reached on September 4, 2024. Follow-up data collection is ongoing, with completion expected by October 2025 and initial results anticipated by April 2026. Recruitment challenges were encountered early in the study, leading to successful adaptations in recruitment and data collection protocols.

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a mixed-methods design to investigate the daily and longitudinal impact of CU on PD and mother-infant interactions. By incorporating repeated measures across the prenatal and postpartum periods, this research provides critical insights into CU’s effects on PD during a high-risk period for maternal mental health. The findings will advance understanding of how CU influences both immediate depressive symptoms and long-term mental health trajectories in postpartum individuals.