What is Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)?
NAS may occur when a pregnant woman takes opioids.
Symptoms of NAS include:
- Extreme fussiness
- Difficulty feeding, gaining weight, and/or sleeping
- Seizures
NAS symptoms typically occur in the first few days of life and can last a few weeks. NAS can affect a child’s growth and development.
How do we prevent NAS?
The best way to prevent NAS is not using opioids while pregnant. Help is available for pregnant women who want to reduce or stop using opioids. Call 211 from anywhere in Alaska or go to www.alaska211.org for information on NAS or support for reducing substance use.
