Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition newborns are diagnosed with when they have been exposed to drugs (most commonly opioids) while in the womb, and exhibit symptoms of withdrawal. Not all babies exposed to drugs while in the womb will develop NAS. There are different ways to protect your unborn child, such as medication or medically supervised withdrawal. If you use opioids or other drugs, and are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult with your doctor to discuss your options to be able to have a healthy pregnancy.
Symptoms of NAS include:
- Body shakes (tremors), seizures (convulsions), overactive reflexes (twitching) and tight muscle tone
- Fussiness, excessive crying or having a high-pitched cry
- Poor feeding or sucking or slow weight gain
- Breathing problems, including breathing really fast
- Fever, sweating or blotchy skin
- Trouble sleeping and lots of yawning
- Diarrhea or throwing up
- Stuffy nose or sneezing
Visit the March of Dimes for more information about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Risk factors for opioid misuse or addiction include past or current substance abuse, untreated psychiatric disorders, younger age, and social or family environments that encourage misuse (Webster, 2017).
Risk Factors include:
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Family history of substance abuse
- Personal history of substance abuse
- Young age
- History of criminal activity or legal problems including DUIs
- Regular contact with high-risk people or high-risk environments
- Problems with past employers, family members and friends (mental disorder)
- Risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior
- Heavy tobacco use
- History of severe depression or anxiety
- Stressful circumstances
- Prior drug or alcohol rehabilitation
The following sites offer more information:
Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose - PubMed
How Opioid Addiction Occurs - Mayo Clinic
Reducing Stigma
- Learn ways to reduce stigma in your community to help support moms and babies in getting the help they need at https://beyondlabels.marchofdimes.org/.
- Understanding stigma is a key step to reducing it in your community. Learn more through this webinar, produced by the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).
- Discover what words we can change in our daily language to help reduce stigma and promote healthy conversations with the Recovery Research Institute Addiction-ary
- Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): Buprenorphine and Methadone are medications that can be prescribed during pregnancy to help with opioid use disorder.
Resources
Following are helpful handouts created by MotherToBaby to answer frequently asked questions about using these medications during pregnancy.
Visit their website for additional FAQ sheets and information about the effects of other opioids and narcotics during pregnancy.
The Utah Department of Health offers a website of resources and information about pregnancy and opioid use disorder. The website features information for During Pregnancy, Caring for Your Child, and For Families. Explore this website for great resources to help your loved ones.
- Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – March of Dimes
- Mothering and Opioids Toolkit: Addressing Stigma – Acting Collaboratively – RCORP-TA
- Pregnancy and Addiction: Rehab Options for Pregnant Women
- Substance Use in Women Research Report
- Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Before, During, and After Pregnancy – CDC
The following printable pages offer information on various opioid use and pregnancy topics.
- Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy: Taking Helpful Steps for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Good Care for You and Your Baby While Receiving Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy: Getting Help and Support You Need from Your Healthcare Professionals
The Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction offers information about all types of substance use during pregnancy. Visit their website to learn more about specific drugs and medications and their effects during pregnancy.
University of Utah Healthcare SUPeRAD Clinic (Substance Use & Pregnancy - Recovery, Addiction & Dependency) offers specialized care and resources for pregnant people with substance use disorders.
Postpartum Support International-Utah Chapter (Utah PSI) works with counselors and healthcare partners who specialize in maternal mental and behavioral health.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a complete, free library of research and guidelines addressing pregnancy and substance use.