Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

like heroin and methadone

Cocaine

Amphetamines, as well as crystal meth or methamphetamine

Barbiturates, like phenobarbital

Marijuana

Alcohol

Nicotine

Women who are addicted often use more than one drug at a time. Mothers who are heavy drug users often have low birth weight babies. These babies grow slower in the womb and are often born early or preterm. ‚

What are the main signs?

Signs are linked to the amount and kinds of drug the mother or baby was taking. They will be based also on the length of time the drugs were used. The time of the last dose will also play a role in what signs the baby will show. ‚
Signs are: ‚

High-pitched crying or fussy
Tremors and jittery
Seizures
Trouble sleeping
Feeding problems, loose stools, or throwing up
Sweating or fever
Trouble breathing
Tight muscles and hyperactive reflexes
Mottled, blotchy skin

These signs often start within 48 to 72 hours after birth. Sometimes, signs of NAS do not start until 6 to 10 days after birth. If the baby has been on a drug for a long time, these signs will often start within 24 to 48 hours after the drug is stopped. ‚

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

The babys doctor will ask about the mother's drug use and when was the time of the last drug use. The doctor will also look over the drugs the baby has been on. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚

Urine tests for drugs and alcohol on the baby and mother
Drug tests on the baby's first stools

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

The treatment for NAS is based on your babys overall health and age at birth. Some of the ways to treat NAS are to help with the signs listed above. This includes: ‚

Helping soothe a fussy baby by:
- Swaddling or bundling the baby in a blanket
- Holding and rocking the baby
- Keeping a quiet, calm environment
High calorie formula for poor weight gain
Smaller, more often feeds for feeding problems
I.V. (intravenous) fluids for throwing up or loose stools

Sometimes, drugs are used to treat the signs of withdrawal. ‚
The baby's doctor may order the same or a like drug as the one the baby was taking or was exposed to during the pregnancy. ‚
The dose of drug used to treat NAS is slowly lowered. This may be done over a period of time that may take many weeks. This helps to wean the baby off the drug. It can also lessen some of the signs linked to withdrawal. ‚

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Do not use drugs or alcohol before you get pregnant or while you are pregnant.
Ask your doctor about all of your drug use.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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