Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

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Drug use by women who are pregnant, are at risk for their unborn child to develop Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. The goal of intervention during pregnancy, is primarily to eliminate the continued use of illegal drugs and the risks associated with them. Secondarily, to begin the possess of safe withdrawal and detoxification of the mother. Once the child is born, steps are taken to identify and address the issues associated with NAS and minimize its effects. Though the child's early development may be hampered, steps can be taken to assist and support the child through these difficulties.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Drug abuse has been on the increase in the United States for the past 50 years. Though it certainly possess an immediate threat …show more content…
Upon learning that she has become pregnant, many woman try to discontinue their illegal drug use. The danger in taking the recommended method of detoxification is by using methadone. Methadone, however, is derived from opiates itself, and though may be perfectly safe for a healthy adult to withstand, can pose significant problems for a fetus. Conversely, the use of Buprenorphine has been proven to be much safer for the unborn child, and has been more beneficial in the eventual treatment of NAS. Another risk factor for the child is an increased exposure risk to HIV/AIDS, especially if the mother is using a needle for her drug use. An addition risk factor, which exacerbates the conditions associated with NAS, is if the mother is also a frequent alcohol drinking and cigarette smoker. The risk factors are greatly multiplied in these instances, and may result in severe cognitive, physical and physiological negative …show more content…
The primary test used to assess NAS is the Finnegan NAS Scoring System. Once a child has been diagnosed with NAS, that child will be sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Children with NAS tend to stay longer in the NICU, than children born without complications. Once in the NICU the following pharmalogical steps will being to take place. The first phase is the paregoric stage, followed by phenobarbitol titration, third phase is phenobarbitol loading, and the last diazepam. Infants born with NAS have lower birth weights, lower birth lengths, and smaller head circumferences. This suggests a significant developmental deficiency for the child, due to the NAS diagnosis. In addition to the diminished birth dimensions, it has also been noted that there is a noticeable decrease in motor rigidity, dysregulated motor patterns and over all activity.
Early Childhood The effects of NAS seem to dissipate as the child nears the age of 6 months old. However, there is a clear indication that there are significant delays in sitting and crawling in the early stages of their physical development. In cognitive and social development, there is strong research to suggest gross motor deficiencies and less social responsiveness. Those with NAS also have shorter attention spans and poor social engagement, when compared to their
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