Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he or she is exposed to in the womb before birth. NAS is most often caused when a woman takes opioids during pregnancy, as they can pass through the placenta and cause the fetus to become dependent. It is important to understand that if the mother is taking opiates (prescribed or not), it is very dangerous for her to stop taking opiates all together during pregnancy, as that can cause fetal distress and potentially death. Once born, the infant may experience a variety of symptoms, listed in the links below.
Resources and Information for Pregnant Women:
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in Wisconsin
Care of Opioid-Exposed Infants Experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Opioid Overdose Prevention Resources for the Milwaukee Community 