The Northern Marianas has reported a rise in the number of babies born to mothers using illegal drugs during their pregnancy.
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation disclosed that this year, it has already had five mothers who self-reported drug use during pregnancy.
In 2014 the number was only one and in 2015 there were two.
The hospital said the women who did self-report said they were mainly using methamphetamine.
The Corporation also conceded there are probably many more mothers who choose not to inform doctors or nurses about their drug use but this behaviour is suspected.
