By 3 News online staff
Kiwi women use more drugs - legal and illegal - during pregnancy than those in the US, according to a new study.
Cannabis use by expectant Kiwi mothers is five times greater, alcohol four times greater, and tobacco use double.
The study, due to be published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, also shows heavy use (more than half a joint, more than 15ml of alcohol or more than 10 cigarettes a day), is far more prevalent.
Pregnant Kiwis indulge in heavy cannabis use eight times more than their US counterparts, and 10 percent drink heavily.
Using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and mental problems for the child.
"We know women are drinking more alcohol more often and more than in other countries," Fetal Alcohol Network co-ordinator Christine Rogan told the New Zealand Herald.
"People who smoke often drink and people who use other drugs often drink, so there is usually alcohol in the mix.
"I do get concerned as to where women may be getting their ideas about alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy. That is a great deal of concern for us because we know the effects are very real."
Over 500 women were looked at in the study.
3 News