Substance use and health activities of pregnant adolescents.

Little is known about substance use by pregnant adolescents or the possible effects of such use on their offspring. In this case-control study, substance use and selected health and social variables of 119 pregnant and 313 nonpregnant inner-city high school students are assessed. The most commonly used substances are alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Pregnant subjects used substances similarly to their nonpregnant counterparts, but were more likely to smoke cigarettes. Pregnant and nonpregnant subjects thought a baby is put at great risk for harm if its mother uses a substance during pregnancy. Pregnant subjects demonstrated more positive health behaviors than nonpregnant subjects. Recommendations for intervention are discussed.