The Emory Center for Maternal Substance Abuse and Child Development would like to introduce its campaign A Warm Welcome.
Taking drugs during pregnancy can pass through the placenta and then to the baby. The placenta grows in the uterus and provides food and oxygen for your baby through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord can also pass drugs (including prescription drugs) to the baby during pregnancy.
When drugs are used during pregnancy, babies can be diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a group of problems for newborns exposed to addictive, illicit or prescription drugs while in the womb, causing them to go through withdrawal symptoms after birth. NAS is also referred to as, neonatal withdrawal syndrome or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal.