Drinking patterns and correlates of drinking among pregnant teenagers

Many adolescents drink, and the rate of teenage pregnancy is increasing, yet the effect of drinking among pregnant teenagers has received little attention. We present a description of the drinking patterns of 124 pregnant teenagers attending a prenatal clinic in Pittsburgh. Sixty-nine percent of the women were African-American, and the average age was 16 years (range 13-18 years). Eighty-two percent drank the year before pregnancy, while 54%, 19%, and 15% drank during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. All substance use decreased between the first and third trimesters, with the exception of tobacco, which rose significantly. Binge drinking (5+ drinks/occasion) occurred in 31% of the sample before pregnancy, rose to 35% in the first trimester, and then fell precipitously. Binge drinkers during pregnancy were more likely to be white and heavier users of tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine. Binge drinkers experienced alcohol and tobacco use and sexual intercourse earlier than nonbinge drinkers. Binge drinking in the first trimester may be considered a risk factor for infants of adolescents.