A Parent's Guide to the NICU

During pregnancy, nearly every substance taken by a woman passes from her blood stream through the placenta to her fetus. Substances that cause drug dependence and addiction in the mother also cause the fetus to become addicted.

When a mother uses illicit substances or legal drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes, she places her unborn baby at risk for many problems. Many substances affect fetal growth and development, as well as the long-term health of the baby. A mother using drugs may be less likely to seek prenatal care, which can increase the risks for her and her baby. In addition, women who use drugs are more likely to use more than one drug, which can complicate the treatment.    

What is neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a term for a group of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics.

What causes neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Almost every drug passes from the mother's blood stream through the placenta to the fetus. Illicit substances that cause drug dependence and addiction in the mother also cause the fetus to become addicted. At birth, the baby's dependence on the substance continues. However, since the drug is no longer available, the baby's central nervous system becomes overstimulated causing the symptoms of withdrawal.

Some drugs are more likely to cause NAS than others, but nearly all have some effect on the baby. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone, cause withdrawal in over half of babies exposed prenatally. Cocaine may cause some withdrawal, but the main symptoms in the baby are due to the toxic effects of the drug itself. Other drugs such as amphetamines, barbiturates, and narcotics can also cause withdrawal. Alcohol use causes withdrawal in the baby, as well as a group of problems including birth defects called fetal alcohol syndrome.

What are the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Symptoms of NAS may vary depending on the type of substance used, the last time it was used, and whether the baby is full-term or premature. Symptoms of withdrawal may begin as early as 24 to 48 hours after birth, or as late as five to ten days. Alcohol withdrawal may begin within a few hours after birth.

The following are the most common symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of withdrawal in full-term babies may include:

• tremors (trembling)
• irritability (excessive crying)
• sleep problems
• high-pitched crying
• tight muscle tone
• hyperactive reflexes
• seizures
• yawning, stuffy nose, and sneezing
• poor feeding and suck
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dehydration
• sweating
• fever or unstable temperature

Premature babies may not have the classic signs of withdrawal listed above, but more often experience the following symptoms:

• tremors (trembling)
• high-pitched crying
• rapid breathing
• poor feeding

The symptoms of NAS may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.

How is neonatal abstinence syndrome diagnosed?

An accurate report of the mother's drug usage is important, including the time of the last drug taken. A neonatal abstinence scoring system is used to help diagnose and grade the severity of the withdrawal. Using the scoring system, points are assigned for certain signs and symptoms and the severity of each. This scoring may also help in planning treatment.

Treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome:

Specific treatment for NAS will be determined by your baby's physician based on:

• your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease

Babies suffering from withdrawal are irritable and often have a difficult time being comforted. Swaddling, or snugly wrapping the baby in a blanket, may help comfort the baby. Babies also may need extra calories because of their increased activity and may need a higher calorie formula. Intravenous (IV) fluids are sometimes needed if the baby becomes dehydrated or has severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Some babies may need medications to treat severe withdrawal symptoms, especially for seizures. Specific drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating withdrawal include the following:

• methadone for heroin and other opiate withdrawal
• benzodiazepines (for alcohol withdrawal)

Other drugs are also being used to help relieve the discomfort and problems of withdrawal. The treatment drug is usually in the same class as the substance the baby is withdrawing from. Once the signs of withdrawal are controlled, the dosage is gradually decreased to help wean the baby off the drug. Consult your baby's physician to learn which treatments might be effective for your baby.

Prevention of neonatal abstinence syndrome:

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a totally preventable problem. However, it requires that a mother stop using drugs before pregnancy, or as soon as she learns she is pregnant.