Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Were You Affected By This Serious Medical Condition?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a serious medical condition that can occur when drugs in a pregnant mother’s blood stream is passed through the placenta to the fetus. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of children born with NAS quintupled between 2000 and 2012, with 21,732 children born suffering from this condition in 2012. Their data indicates that this issue is only growing in scope, and on top of the medical issues facing the child, the cost of care spikes when they’re born with NAS. According to NIDA’s data, the cost of care for a child born with NAS is approximately $66,700, more than 19 times more than the cost of care for a child born without NAS.

NAS is an incredibly dangerous and expensive condition, but you may be able to secure financial help through the legal system. If your child was born with NAS, contact our opiate lawyers at the Domina Law Group today to learn more about what your legal options are and discuss your next steps.

What Problems Can Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Cause?

The use of opiates and illicit substances by a pregnant mother can put the health of their unborn child at serious risk. The use of these types of drugs is also connected to a lower likelihood of the mother seeking prenatal care, which can also increase the risks of complications during the pregnancy. Some of the most severe issues for babies the use of drugs while pregnant can cause include:

• Seizures
• Premature birth
• Birth defects
• Poor intrauterine growth

Some of the specific issues connected to different types of drugs include:

• Opiates: Serious withdrawal symptoms
• Amphetamines: Premature birth, low birthweight
• Cocaine: Lowered IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, poor fetal growth
• Marijuana: Low birthweight
• Alcohol: Intellectual disabilities, heart defects, face and head deformities, stunted growth
• Cigarettes: Stillbirth, premature birth, low birthweight

Symptoms Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

The symptoms of NAS can vary depending on the type of drug affecting the infant, how long ago it was used, and whether the child was born prematurely or at full-term. These withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 24 hours after the child is born, or as long as 10 days after.

• Seizures
• Fluctuating temperature
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Issues sleeping
• Tremors
• Tight muscle tone
• Irritability
• Trouble feeding
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• High-pitched crying
• Hyperactive reflexes
• Sneezing, stuffy nose, and yawning

Hire A Law Firm You Can Count On

Our opiate attorneys at the Domina Law Group have spent decades working with clients across the United States in order to secure them the legal outcome they deserve. If your child suffered from NAS, give us a call at (888) 387-4134 to discuss your situation with one or our attorneys today, or set up a consultation with a member of our firm by filling out our online form.