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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

What every mom needs to know…

Is your baby at risk?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when a baby has withdrawal symptoms from drugs called opioids. Opioids can include drugs prescribed by a doctor for many different conditions. NAS can be caused by different drugs or substances. Some of these include: opioid pain medications, antidepressants, alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and nicotine from smoking.

Are you pregnant and taking an opioid? Do you feel like you can’t stop taking it? If so, here are three things to know:

  1. You are not alone. Many people have problems with opioid use. Doctors and nurses are trained to care for people who have these problems.
  2. You have a high chance of having a baby born with NAS, even if a doctor prescribes the opioid. Do not stop taking the drug or cut back on how much you take without first talking to your doctor.
  3. Your doctor can help you get treatment.

Talk with your doctor before and after your baby is born. Be honest about all the drugs you take. Your doctor can then come up with the best plan to help you and your baby. Your baby may have a prolonged hospital stay.

What should you do if you are pregnant and your NAS risk is high?

Talk to your doctor now. It’s the best thing you can do to help your baby. You can also call Sunshine Health for support. We can tell you what services your plan covers and help you learn more about NAS. Call us today at: 1-855-463-4100 (TTY 1-800-955-8770).

What should you expect if your baby has NAS?

Babies usually show symptoms of NAS within a few days after birth. Each baby may have different symptoms. It depends on the drug they were exposed to during pregnancy. The doctors and nurses will watch for these symptoms.

The most common NAS symptoms are:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • High-pitched crying
  • Trouble feeding
  • Fussiness
  • Weight loss

NAS symptoms also can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Fever
  • Frequent sneezing
  • Seizures
  • Low temperature

Ways you can help if your baby has NAS:

  • Hold your baby on your upper chest with their bare skin touching yours. This is called kangaroo care.
  • Wrap your baby snuggly in a blanket. This is called swaddling. Be sure not to cover the face. Ask your doctor if it is safe to swaddle when your baby is feeding and sleeping.
  • Keep the room quiet. Dim the lights. Ask people to keep their voices down. Lower the volume on the TV. Don’t have too many people in the room.
  • Feed your baby when he or she seems hungry. Babies who are hungry will often cry or suck on their hands.
  • Breastfeed if your doctor says it is OK.
  • Give your baby a pacifier when changing diapers or clothing.
  • Pacifier can also be used when your baby is fussy and seems to be sucking a lot between feedings.

If your baby still has signs of NAS, let your baby’s doctor know.

The doctor may use medications to help give relief. The doctor will then slowly wean your baby off the medicine. Infants placed on medications to treat NAS often need to stay in the hospital for a few weeks or longer depending on the symptoms. This means you may be discharged from the hospital before your baby. Talk with the hospital staff about how you can visit or stay overnight.

The hospital may also provide you with training on the care and feeding of your baby. This will help you get ready for life at home with your newborn. Babies with NAS might fuss or have problems eating or sleeping for up to six months. This is why it is very important to stay in touch with doctors and nurses who have experience with NAS.

Babies born with NAS may have problems growing. This is why it is important to take your baby in for regular checkups. If you need help finding a pediatrician or transportation, ask your own doctor, your hospital or Sunshine Health.

Resources for Sunshine Health Members

Start Smart for Your Baby®: Support from pregnancy to delivery and after your baby is born.

  • Finding a provider who’s right for you
  • Mental health
  • Getting ready for baby
  • Breastfeeding
  • Your baby’s development
  • Recovering after delivery
  • Birth control

Brave Health: Fully virtual behavioral health care clinic for members 13 and up.

  • Maternal health expertise
  • No travel time; access care from anywhere
  • SMS, phone and email support (requires access to WiFi and live video)
  • Fast access; 7-day standard wait time for appointments
  • Coordination with your PCP
  • Substance Use Disorder and mental health in one place

LunaJoy: Focuses on providing resources to women during and after pregnancy.

  • Therapy
  • Psychiatry
  • Mental Health Coaching
  • 24/7 Care Navigation Team

Caring for your baby with NAS can be hard. Talk to your family, friends, health plan care manager and doctors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Work as a team to find the best way to make sure you and your baby stay healthy.

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