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The records of 72 pregnant methadone addicts and 72 nonaddicted gravidas, all receiving prenatal care, were examined to determine the degree of obstetric risk associated with low dose methadone maintenance and dimensions of difference between addicted and nonaddicted newborn infants. Rates of pregnancy illness, pregnancy complications, as well as labor and delivery characteristics, did not differ between groups. Low birth weight (≤ 2,500 grams) was not more common among addicted infants, although neonatal weight loss was greater in this group. Most addicted newborns were symptomatic, but pharmacologic treatment was required in only 30 per cent of the cases. Low-dose methadone maintenance in conjunction with comprehensive prenatal care appears to reduce obstetric risk to a level comparable with that of nonaddicted women of similar sociomedical circumstances.