Methadone assays in pregnant women and progeny.

Data on the concentration of methadone in maternal plasma and urine of pregnant women on methadone in relationship to levels of amniotic fluid, cord blood, fetal urines, and breast milk are presented. These findings do not demonstrate a simple relationship between methadone levels in the neonate and the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome. The effects of multiple drug abuse and other as yet unknown factors may influence the severity of withdrawal signs in the neonate.