Every year, thousands of babies are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition in which they have been exposed to drugs in utero. Most commonly, these drugs are opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone, and morphine, but babies can also be exposed to methamphetamines, cocaine, and other substances. NAS is a serious medical condition that can cause a variety of medical complications and can lead to long-term effects. In order to understand the impact of this condition and the long-term effects of exposure to drugs in utero, it is important to understand the causes and the symptoms of NAS.
What Causes Babies to be Born Addicted to Drugs?
Babies are born addicted to drugs when their mothers use drugs during pregnancy. Drugs can cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream, exposing them to the same substances that their mother takes. This can cause the baby to become dependent on the drug and can lead to the development of NAS.
The most common drugs that cause NAS are opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and methadone. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines can also cause NAS in babies born to mothers who use these drugs during pregnancy. In addition, alcohol, tobacco, and benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin can also cause babies to be born with NAS.
What Are the Symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
Babies with NAS are often born prematurely and with a low birth weight. They may experience a variety of symptoms, including seizures, tremors, excessive crying, difficulty feeding, and sleep disturbances. They may also experience difficulty with temperature regulation, difficulty breathing, and difficulty gaining weight. In addition, babies with NAS may also suffer from irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, and even respiratory distress.
Babies with NAS may also experience long-term effects, including delays in development, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. They may also have an increased risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, some babies may be more prone to addiction later in life due to their exposure to drugs in utero.
How is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Treated?
The treatment for NAS varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, the baby may be closely monitored and given medication to help manage the symptoms. In more severe cases, the baby may need to be hospitalized and given medication to help them detoxify from the drugs. In addition, other supportive therapies, such as massage and music therapy, may be used to help the baby cope with the symptoms.
Can Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Be Prevented?
In order to prevent NAS, it is important for pregnant women to avoid using drugs and alcohol. If a woman is already using drugs, it is important for her to seek help and seek treatment in order to help her quit using drugs before the baby is born. It is also important for pregnant women to receive regular prenatal care to monitor the baby’s health and to ensure that the baby is not exposed to any drugs.
Conclusion
Babies born addicted to drugs are at risk for a variety of medical complications and long-term effects. It is important to understand the causes of NAS and the symptoms that can occur. In addition, it is important to seek treatment for pregnant women who are using drugs and to monitor the baby’s health during pregnancy. By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent NAS, we can help ensure that babies are born healthy and free from the long-term effects of drug exposure.