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Neonatal Drug Withdrawal

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Neonatal Drug Withdrawal

(Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

Definition

Neonatal drug withdrawal is when a baby who has been exposed to drugs in the womb has withdrawal symptoms. This happens because the baby is no longer exposed to the drug the mother was taking.

Blood Traveling Through Mother's Placenta to Baby.

Drugs and alcohol travel through this path from mother to baby.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

This problem can be caused when a pregnant woman uses:

  • Heroin
  • Methadone
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Alcohol
  • Opioids
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Barbiturates
  • Antidepressants

Risk Factors

Drug, medicine, or alcohol abuse when pregnant raises the risk of this problem in a baby.

Symptoms

Symptoms can happen within hours to days after birth. It depends on the type and amount of drug used.

Problems may be:

  • Fussiness
  • Stiff muscles
  • Seizures
  • Poor feeding
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Yawning
  • Problems sleeping
  • Fever
  • Sneezing
  • Sweating
  • Crying a lot
  • Problems breathing

Diagnosis

The doctor will check the baby based on their symptoms and the mother's health and drug history. A physical exam will be done.

The baby will be tested for signs of drugs. This may be done with urine, umbilical cord, blood, hair, and stool testing.

Treatment

It can take weeks to months for a drug to leave a baby's body. Medicine may be given to help ease problems. The overall goals of treatment are to:

  • Monitor the baby for signs of problems, such as seizures
  • Provide support, such as fluids, oxygen, and special feedings

Prevention

A mother can prevent this health problem by not using drugs during pregnancy.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hudak ML, Tan RC, et al. Neonatal drug withdrawal. Pediatrics. 2012 Feb;129(2):e540-e560.
  • Neonatal opioid withdrawal. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/neonatal-opioid-withdrawal.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2023-07-10

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.