Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome Could Affect Your Baby Forever
America’s newest addiction problem – opioids – affects even the most innocent people in our society. Studies indicate that a baby is born with Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome every 15 minutes in the U.S. due to addiction to opioids.
The study discovered that about eight out of every 1,000 newborns in hospitals have withdrawal symptoms due to pre-birth exposure to drugs. They are addicts as soon as they are born, and their first experience in life is withdrawal. Our personal injury attorneys at Hearn Law Firm, PLLC can help if your baby has NAS.
What Is Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome?
It is the term that describes the problems newborns have from drug exposure. It is caused by drugs, like opioids. Other drugs, including cocaine, barbiturates and amphetamines, can also lead to withdrawal.
Most babies get NAS when their mother takes drugs during pregnancy. The woman takes the drug, then they are passed from mother to child.
Opioids that cause NAS include:
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin and Percocet)
- Tramadol
The Signs Of NAS?
If you took opioids during your pregnancy, there are signs to watch for in your newborn.
The signs could include:
- Blotchy skin
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea
- Excessive crying
- Excessive yawning
- Fussiness
- High-pitched crying
- Jaundice
- Low bodyweight
- Feeding/sucking problems
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Shakes (tremors)
- Sleeping issues
- Slow weight gain
- Sneezing
- Snuffy nose
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Sweating
- Throwing up
- Tight muscles
- Twitching (overactive reflexes)
What Are The Long-Term Concerns?
This is a relatively new issue. There is not a lot of research available. However, experts believe there could be long-term problems children could experience as they get older.
They might include:
- Behavior
- Developmental delays
- Ear infections
- Growth
- Hearing
- Learning
- Motor problems
- Sleep
- Speech/language
- Vision
Get Help If Your Baby Was Born With NAS
The facts of your case will determine liability. Our lawyers at Hearn Law Firm can assist you if your baby has NAS. We can help you file suits against pharmaceutical manufacturers for their deceptive marketing practices. Your doctor, the medical staff or a hospital might also be negligent if they prescribed opioids that led to the NAS.
Call us at 866-583-8721 or visit our contact page if your baby was born with Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome in Jackson or anywhere in Mississippi. We will work with you to build your case and recover damages if your newborn is struggling with opioid withdrawal.