MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Neonatal abstinence syndrome

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Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman takes addictive illicit or prescription drugs during the pregnancy. Drugs pass through the placenta and reach the baby. The baby becomes addicted along with the mother. At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

Update Date: 4/24/2008

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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