Objectives: This study examines medication use among women aged 15 to 49, comparing pregnant women with their nonpregnant contemporaries. A portrait of women who used medication during pregnancy is also presented.
Data sources: Analysis is based on data from the 1994/95 through 2002/03 National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), as well as the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and the 1996/97 National Population Health Survey (NPHS).
Analytical techniques: Estimates of medication use are based on cross-sectional data. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with use of medication.
Main results: Medication use among women aged 15 to 49 has risen over the last 10 years. Although the proportion of pregnant women who used medications increased, it remained below the figure for other women the same ages. Over one-quarter of women (27%) were taking prescription medications while pregnant.