Impact of Opioid Exposure on Children

Conception through

Age 2

The number of babies affected by in utero exposure to opioids in Minnesota has been steadily increasing of the past few years.

In 2016: 1,839 babies were reported to be born with NAS in MN

How does opioid use impact babies?

If a pregnant woman is experiencing opioid addiction, there is a chance the baby may be impacted due to in utero exposure to the opioid


This exposure is referred to as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Signs of NAS after birth:

  • Tremors

  • Seizures

  • Overactive reflexes

  • Fussiness

  • Excessive crying or having a high-pitched cry

  • Poor feeding/sucking

  • Low weight gain

  • Breathing problems

  • Fever

  • Sweating or blotchy skin

  • Trouble sleeping and excessive yawning

  • Diarrhea or throwing up

  • Stuffy nose or sneezing

Neonatal abstinence syndrome
can look different for every baby

most signs and symptoms appear within the first 72 hours of birth and can last from a week up to six months

Are there signs of NAS during pregnancy (before birth) and neonatally (right after birth)?

Yes!

Some common pregnancy and birth related complications are:

  • Low birthweight

  • Jaundice (yellowing of baby skin)

  • Extensive time in the NICU unit post-birth

  • Additional medicinal treatment required for the baby or mother

What can you do if your baby or loved one's baby Has NAS?

During treatment, the baby may be fussy and hard to soothe.

Doing these things can help calm the baby:


        • Room in with your baby

          • This means you and your baby stay in the same room together at the hospital before you take your baby home

        • Give your baby skin-to-skin care (also called kangaroo care)

          • This is when you put your baby, dressed only in a diaper, on your bare chest

        • Be gentle with your baby. Rock your baby gently. If they’re sleeping, don’t wake them up

        • Swaddle your baby (wrap baby snuggly) in a blanket

        • Keep your baby's room quiet and the lights dim

        • Breastfeed your baby (if possible)

        • Feed your baby on demand

          • This means you feed your baby whenever they’re hungry

        • Give your baby a pacifier