Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a drug withdrawal syndrome that most commonly occurs in infants after in utero exposure to opioids. There are other substances that have also been associated with the syndrome. NAS usually appears one to two days after birth with clinical signs of withdrawal, such as tremors, feeding difficulties, and temperature changes. Opioid exposure during pregnancy might result from clinician-approved use of prescription opioids for pain relief; misuse or abuse of prescription opioids; illicit use (e.g., heroin); or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder.

Narcotics: methadone, morphine, Oxycodone, Percocet (acetaminophen and Oxycodone), and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)

Muscle relaxants: Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax

Other potentially addictive drugs: cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamine

If you think that you are pregnant or might become pregnant and are currently using substances, it is important to discuss this with your health care provider. Your doctor and other health care providers can provide you with information on how to safely reduce or stop substance use, provide referrals to substance use treatment, and support you in having a healthy pregnancy.