Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a drug withdrawal syndrome that results from the abrupt discontinuation of chronic fetal exposure to substances that were used or abused by the mother during pregnancy.

Because the mother and baby share blood circulation through the placenta during pregnancy, almost every drug that the mother uses passes to the baby. When the baby is born, it is still physically dependent on the drug and may begin to show symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms can include tremors, excessive crying, excessive sucking, poor feeding, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blotchy skin, hyperactive reflexes, and occasionally, seizures.

NAS most often is caused when a woman takes opioids (e.g. morphine, methadone, oxycodone) during pregnancy, but can also occur with antidepressants and benzodiazepines. It also can occur when a woman is using illegal drugs, such as heroin, methamphetamines, and barbiturates.

NAS is a Notifiable Condition in Georgia as of January 1, 2016. Gathering information about the incidence of NAS will help DPH to develop policies and programs aimed at reducing the number of babies who are born with NAS.

 Reporting

• Notifiable Disease Reporting
• SendSS

Resources

Healthcare Providers:

• ACOG Committee Opinion "Alcohol Abuse and Other Substance Use Disorders: Ethical Issues in Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice"
• AAP The Committee on Drugs, The Committee on the Fetus and Newborn "Neonatal Drug Withdrawal"
• CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
• SAMHSA – Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Families:

• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Powerline – 800-300-9003
• Stop Rx Abuse in GA – Video "Prescription Drug Abuse and Your Pregnancy"
• Mother to Baby

Questions related to NAS:

or

Email: DPH.NAS@dph.ga.gov