Methadone maintenance is indicated as standard therapeutic approach, which is recommended for the women with opioid dependence in the case they are not abstinent and pregnancy might be expected, or they are already pregnant. Aims of the study were based on experience gathered from methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) in Bratislava: (1) to review validity of positive findings from other countries in our conditions and (2) to demonstrate complexity of the problem as well as the necessity of consequent methodological approach in the interpretations of the associations of MMTP with the stage of foetal development in pregnant women and with the evaluation of health condition of newborn, respectively. 97 women, who were in MMTP, have been approached in our retrospective study. They have mentioned 162 pregnancies altogether. Out of them 32 have been medically confirmed in the time of MMTP. There have been 26 deliveries. Medical report on child has been provided by 12 women, out of whom 9 were during the whole period of pregnancy in MMTP. 7 have been stabilized on it. Their mean daily methadone dose was 144 mg (SD ± 40) in the range from 70 to 190 mg. An average birth rate of child was 3033 g (SD ± 390), average Apgar score was: 9/10/10. HIV infection, illicit psychoactive substance use and distress of pregnant women related to criminal environment where they were staying, were among the most frequent complicated factors among these women during their pregnancy. Prognosis is good when MMTP is fully accepted by patients and when it starts before pregnancy.

Key words: methadone maintenance treatment – pregnancy – opiate dependence