Drug addiction not only affects the life of the user, but it also harms the people who surround them, particularly their family members. One such group is newborns who are born to mothers who were addicted to drugs during pregnancy.

These newborns not only suffer from withdrawal symptoms but also are at risk of developing various health problems.

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition that occurs in newborns who have been exposed to addictive drugs in the womb. When the mother uses drugs, the drugs also travel through the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream.

When a baby is born, the sudden lack of drugs causes the baby to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Babies who suffer from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome exhibit various symptoms, which include:.

High-pitched crying
Tremors
Seizures
Breathing difficulties
Feeding difficulties
Irritability and inconsolable crying
Stomach cramps and diarrhea
Hyperactivity

The severity of the symptoms varies from baby to baby and depends on the type of drugs the mother consumed, the duration of drug use, and the amount of drugs used.

What Causes NAS?

NAS is caused by the consumption of drugs during pregnancy. The types of drugs that cause NAS include opioids (such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, and morphine), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, and Halcion), and alcohol.

If a pregnant woman uses these drugs, even under medical supervision, it can cause harm to the baby’s development and can cause NAS.

Effects of NAS on the Baby’s Health

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome can have short-term and long-term effects on the baby’s growth and development. Short-term effects include:.

High risk of seizures and respiratory problems
Increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight
Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive

Long-term effects of NAS include:.

Neurobehavioral problems such as learning and attention difficulties
Developmental delays
Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression

Studies also suggest that babies born with NAS are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Prevention and Treatment of NAS

The best way to prevent NAS is to avoid drug use during pregnancy. Women who are addicted to drugs should seek professional help and treatment during pregnancy.

If drug use is unavoidable, doctors may prescribe a medication-assisted treatment to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and the risk of NAS.

For babies who are born with NAS, the treatment focuses on reducing the withdrawal symptoms. The treatment may include:.

Close monitoring of the baby’s vital signs
Stabilizing the baby’s temperature and avoiding excessive exposure to light and noise
Feeding the baby small amounts of milk frequently
Administering medication to treat withdrawal symptoms, such as morphine or methadone
Providing comfort and soothing by swaddling, massage, and rocking.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, and it may last from days to weeks.

The Role of Parents in the Treatment of NAS

The treatment of NAS requires a collaborative effort from the healthcare team and the parents. Parents play a vital role in the baby’s recovery.

They should provide a calm and comforting environment for the baby and offer soothing techniques such as swaddling, massage, and rocking. Parents should also be prepared for the baby’s crying and inconsolability and seek professional support if necessary.

The Long-term Impact of NAS on Parents

The experience of raising a baby who suffers from NAS can be overwhelming and emotionally stressful for parents.

The constant crying, feeding difficulties, and sleep deprivation can take a toll on the parents’ mental health and affect their relationship with the baby.

Hence, it is crucial to offer support and counseling to the parents of babies with NAS. They should be provided with practical guidance on how to manage the baby’s symptoms and emotional support to cope with the challenges.

The Stigma around Babies with NAS

Babies with NAS and their parents often face social stigma and judgment from society. Some people view babies with NAS as ‘drug babies’ and judge their mothers for their addiction.

This stigma not only affects the parents but also hinders the baby’s recovery.

It is essential to raise awareness about NAS and the impact of drug addiction during pregnancy. Education can help reduce stigma and increase empathy towards mothers and babies with NAS.

A non-judgmental and compassionate approach can encourage mothers to seek medical help and treatment during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Babies suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome face a challenging journey of recovery. The condition not only affects their health but also poses long-term effects on their growth and development.

Preventing drug addiction during pregnancy and providing medical support to mothers who are addicted to drugs is crucial to avoid NAS. The treatment of NAS requires a collaborative effort of healthcare professionals and parents. It is essential to provide emotional support and guidance to parents and raise awareness about NAS to reduce social stigma.