Most infants begin to have symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) between 1-3 days after their birth. Your provider will know how best to manage the risks. Some medicines should not be stopped without medical supervision, or harm may result. If you are already pregnant and take medicines or drugs not prescribed to you, talk to your provider about the best way to keep you and the baby safe. Neonatal abstinence syndrome preventionĭiscuss all medicines, and alcohol and tobacco use with your doctor.Īsk your provider for help as soon as possible if you are: While there is no clear evidence of a neonatal abstinence syndrome for other drugs, they may contribute to the severity of a baby’s neonatal abstinence syndrome symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms also may occur in babies exposed to alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs) while in the womb.īabies of mothers who use other addictive drugs (nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana,) may have long-term problems. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, withdrawal symptoms may occur as the drug is slowly cleared from the baby’s system. If the mother continues to use the drugs within the week or so before delivery, the baby will be dependent on the drug at birth. The baby becomes dependent on the drug along with the mother. These and other substances pass through the placenta that connects the baby to its mother in the womb. Neonatal abstinence syndrome may occur when a pregnant woman takes drugs such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin), methadone, or buprenorphine. The amount of drugs or medicines that the baby receives in the womb does not always match the symptoms that each baby may have after they are born.įigure 1. Doctors cannot predict which babies will have neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This will help your caregivers to give appropriate medicines to you and your baby, deliver the best care, and discharge your baby home as soon as safely possible after birth. It is very important that you let your nurse and doctor know about any drugs used during your pregnancy. Other potentially addictive drugs: cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamine.

Muscle relaxants and antidepressants: Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax.Narcotics: methadone, morphine, Oxycodone, Percocet and Vicodin.There are many drugs that can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome but some of the most common are: These symptoms may include irritability, poor feeding, fever, sweating, stuffy nose, vomiting, stiffness or seizures. Once the baby is born, they can no longer receive the drug from their mother’s body, and may develop symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (symptoms of withdrawal). Many drugs used by mothers can reach the baby while they are in the womb. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) refers to symptoms of withdrawal that babies can develop after birth if their mothers have taken medications or drugs during their pregnancy that can be addictive. Neonatal abstinence syndrome possible complications.Neonatal abstinence syndrome prevention.

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