What is the effect of perinatal methadone maintenance on pregnancy outcomes?

The choice that states perinatal methadone maintenance improves outcomes compared to addictive patterns is supported by evidence indicating that methadone maintenance therapy can stabilize the mother’s opioid dependence during pregnancy, leading to better overall health for both the mother and the fetus. This treatment helps to reduce the risk of illicit drug use, which can cause detrimental effects on pregnancy such as poor prenatal care, increased risk of overdose, and harmful behaviors associated with untreated addiction.

Research shows that women who receive methadone maintenance therapy tend to have healthier pregnancies, and this treatment can reduce the incidence of negative outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal syndrome when compared to those who engage in unregulated drug use. Methadone maintenance provides a controlled, consistent dose of medication, which can minimize the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that may otherwise lead to relapse into substance abuse.

This stands in contrast to the other choices. Comparatively worsening outcomes as related to addiction fails to recognize the stabilizing effects of methadone. Not affecting pregnancy outcomes suggests that methadone has no impact, which is inaccurate given its role in managing opioid dependence during pregnancy. Lastly, stating that it leads to higher miscarriage rates does not align with findings that suggest proper management with methad