
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) can occur in babies who have been exposed to opioids, alcohol or other addictive substances while in the womb. NAS usually appears within 48–72 hours of birth, when the babies begin to suffer withdrawal. Common symptoms include low birth weight, tremors, high-pitched, continuous crying, feeding difficulties, vomiting and fever.
Opioid exposure during pregnancy might result from a mother's physician-approved use of prescription opioids for pain relief, from misuse of prescription opioids, from illicit opioid use (e.g.,heroin), or medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder.
Treatment options for NAS depend on factors that include the baby's gestational age, overall health, the type of substance and the extent of the baby's dependence. Placing babies in a dark, quiet nursery space, careful swaddling, and other measures to minimize environmental stimuli can help comfort them. Some babies may need extra calories or intravenous fluids. Babies in withdrawal from severe opioid dependency may be placed on a tapered regimen of opioid-based medication to ease their withdrawal.