Neonatal abstinence syndrome
   
Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman takes addictive illicit or prescription drugs such as opioids during the pregnancy. Drugs pass through the placenta and reach the baby. The baby becomes dependent along with the mother. At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Mary J. Terrell, MD, IBCLC, Neonatologist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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