Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
NAS refers to symptoms that babies may have if their mothers used drugs during pregnancy. This is often called "withdrawal". Common symptoms of withdrawal include: prolonged or high pitched crying, sleeplessness, feeding difficulties, diarrhea, sensitive to light/sounds/touch, stuffy nose, sweating, trembling, and seizures. Some drugs can increase the chance of birth defects and/or premature labor. Common drugs that can cause symptoms of withdrawal include: Heroin, Codeine, Subutex, Methadone, Cocaine, and Amphetamines. For more information view
NAS Brochure (PDF).
Support is Available! Give Your Baby a Healthy Start!
If you are pregnant and think your baby may be at risk for NAS
* Ask for help
* If you are using drugs, do not just quit suddenly, as it will cause problems for your baby
* Get prenatal care and talk openly with your health care provider about the medications, drugs and other substances you are taking or have taken during your pregnancy
* Get into a treatment program
After Birth:
* Baby may be in special care nursery/intensive care unit
* Your baby will be monitored for symptoms of NAS
* Tell your baby's health care providers if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal and work together to reduce the baby's symptoms
* Provide comfort measures such as holding baby close "skin to skin", reduce bright lights and noise, gentle rocking, small frequent feedings.