OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of methadone on fetal
neurobehavioral functions and maternal physiologic indicators. STUDY DESIGN: Forty
women attending a substance abuse treatment facility with otherwise uncomplicated
pregnancies were evaluated at peak and trough methadone levels. Fetal measures included
heart rate, variability, periodic accelerations/decelerations, motor activity, and fetal
movement-heart rate coupling. Maternal measures included maternal heart period …