Both cannabis use and intimate partner violence during pregnancy were independently associated with worse postpartum mental health, with cannabis use linked to elevated PTSD and depression symptoms at 6 months postpartum.
Prenatal care providers, perinatal mental health professionals, and pregnant women considering cannabis use.
Cannabis use during pregnancy independently predicted postpartum PTSD (beta = 0.25)
What the researchers found
Cannabis use during pregnancy was significantly associated with elevated postpartum PTSD (beta = 0.25) and depression symptoms, independent of IPV victimization. IPV was associated with all three outcomes: PTSD (beta = 0.21), depression (beta = 0.17), and anxiety (beta = 0.21). The interaction between cannabis and IPV was not significant, indicating independent rather than synergistic effects.
Why it matters
Cannabis use during pregnancy is rising, and this study shows it may carry mental health risks for mothers beyond the well-documented concerns about fetal effects. The independence of cannabis and IPV effects means that addressing one risk factor does not eliminate the other.
The numbers in context
N = 257 women. Cannabis use: PTSD beta = 0.25 (p < 0.001), depression significant. IPV: PTSD beta = 0.21 (p = 0.005), depression beta = 0.17 (p = 0.022), anxiety beta = 0.21 (p = 0.008). Cannabis x IPV interaction: not significant.
How the study worked
Prospective cohort of 257 women assessed at three points during pregnancy for IPV and cannabis use, then at 6 months postpartum for PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Linear regression analyses tested main effects and the interaction between cannabis use and IPV.
What this study cannot tell us
Observational design cannot prove cannabis caused worse postpartum outcomes. Women using cannabis during pregnancy may have unmeasured risk factors. Self-reported cannabis use may be underreported due to stigma. The study cannot determine whether stopping cannabis would improve outcomes.
How to read the evidence
Prospective cohort with multiple pregnancy assessments and postpartum follow-up. Moderate evidence given the observational design and potential unmeasured confounders.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
The finding that cannabis use and IPV are independent risk factors suggests that prenatal screening should address both issues separately. Women experiencing IPV may use cannabis as a coping mechanism, but the study suggests this does not explain the cannabis-mental health link.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis use during pregnancy cause postpartum mental health problems, or does it signal pre-existing vulnerability? Would cessation support during pregnancy improve postpartum outcomes?
Common questions
Does cannabis during pregnancy cause postpartum depression?
Did domestic violence and cannabis use make each other worse?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use and Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy Are Associated with Poorer Postpartum Mental Health.
American journal of perinatology
Citation
Marvin, Matthew J; Ballinger, Alexandra L; Stein, Sara F; Fairchild, Jewelian N; Bogat, G Anne; Lonstein, Joseph S; Nuttall, Amy K; Muzik, Maria; Levendosky, Alytia A. (2025). Cannabis Use and Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy Are Associated with Poorer Postpartum Mental Health.. American journal of perinatology. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2761-1601
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