Pregnant people whose partners had problematic substance use history were 89% more likely to use cannabis during early pregnancy.
Obstetricians; prenatal care providers; couples planning pregnancy.
89% higher odds of prenatal cannabis use with partner substance problems
What the researchers found
Among 82,180 pregnant individuals, partner substance problems were associated with 89% higher odds of prenatal cannabis (aOR=1.89), 238% higher odds of e-cigarettes (aOR=3.38), and 266% higher odds of tobacco (aOR=3.66).
Why it matters
Partner substance use is a modifiable risk factor for prenatal exposure. Screening partners could identify at-risk pregnancies.
The numbers in context
82,180 pregnant people. Cannabis: aOR=1.89 (1.57-2.27). E-cigarettes: aOR=3.38 (2.43-4.58). Tobacco: aOR=3.66 (2.63-4.96). Alcohol: aOR=1.58 (1.33-1.87).
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort of 82,180 pregnant people screened at first prenatal visit in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (2021-2022). Self-report plus urine toxicology for cannabis.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported partner use (likely underreported). Kaiser population. Cannot determine if partner use causes prenatal use.
How to read the evidence
Very large cohort with biological confirmation of cannabis. Self-reported partner data.
When this study was published
2025 study
The bigger picture
Prenatal prevention usually focuses on the pregnant person alone. This highlights the partner's role.
Questions still open
- Would screening partners improve prenatal outcomes? Are there effective couple-based interventions?
Common questions
How was cannabis use confirmed?
Why does partner substance use matter?
Read the original research
Partner History of Problematic Substance Use and Self-Reported Substance Use During Early Pregnancy: Findings from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2021-2022.
Maternal and child health journal, 29(11), 1505-1511
Citation
Gallegos, Rachel; Slama, Natalie E; Duggan, Mark C; Ansley, Deborah; Castellanos, Carley; Young-Wolff, Kelly C. (2025). Partner History of Problematic Substance Use and Self-Reported Substance Use During Early Pregnancy: Findings from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2021-2022.. Maternal and child health journal, 29(11), 1505-1511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-025-04164-w
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