NIDA's National Pregnancy and Health Survey, conducted during 1992, is the first national survey of drug use among pregnant women in the United States. The survey collected data from a representative sample of the 4 million women who delivered babies during 1992. Data from the survey, presented in the chart below, provide the best estimates to date of the number of American women who use drugs during pregnancy and their patterns of drug use. (See story this issue)
| Substance Used | % Pregnant Women | # Pregnant Women |
|---|---|---|
| Any illicit drug(1) | 5.5 | 220,900 |
| Marijuana | 2.9 | 118,700 |
| Cocaine | 1.1 | 45,100 |
| Crack | 0.9 | 34,800 |
| Other cocaine | 0.3 | 12,700 |
| Methamphetamine | 0.1 | 4,500 |
| Heroin | 0.1 | 3,600 |
| Methadone | 0.1 | 3,400 |
| Inhalants | 0.3 | 12,100 |
| Hallucinogens | 0.2 | 8,700 |
| Nonmedical use of any psychotherapeutics(2) | 1.5 | 61,200 |
| Amphetamines | 0.0 | 1,200 |
| Sedatives | 0.3 | 10,300 |
| Tranquilizers | 0.0 | 1,900 |
| Analgesics | 1.2 | 48,700 |
| Alcohol | 18.8 | 756,900 |
| Cigarettes | 20.4 | 819,700 |
| Medical use of any psychotherapeutics(3) | 10.2 | 412,300 |
| Amphetamines | 0.3 | 13,400 |
| Sedatives | 3.6 | 144,100 |
| Tranquilizers | 1.4 | 55,400 |
| Analgesics | 7.6 | 305,200 |
(1)Use of marijuana, cocaine (all forms), methamphetamine, heroin, methadone, inhalants, hallucinogens, or nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics during pregnancy.
(2)Nonmedical use of any prescription amphetamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, or analgesics during pregnancy.
(3)Medical use of any prescription amphetamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, or analgesics during pregnancy.