Pregnancy in narcotics addicts treated by medical withdrawal: The methadone Detoxification Program

Abstract

The impact of narcotics addiction on the individual and the community is manifold and deep. Study has been made of 300 pregnant addicts voluntarily treated with medical withdrawal on methadone in the Detoxification Program. In 100 consecutive deliveries of these patients there were increased incidences of low birth weights, meconium, and breech presentations. Other problems with the newborns were not significantly increased. Maternal complications were few and included a high rate of positive results in serologic tests for syphilis.