More Portsmouth newborns being exposed to 'addictive' drugs during pregnancies

NHS figures for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust show withdrawal treatments have been issued for newborns around 20 times in 2019-20, more than twice what it was the previous year.

Known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), babies develop a dependency on addictive substances taken while their mother is pregnant, such as heroin, anti-depressants or sleeping pills like benzodiazepine.

Drug-dependent infants can soon develop severe withdrawal symptoms, signs of which include a continuous high-pitched cry, feeding problems, profuse vomiting, tremors, face scratching and convulsions.

In some cases, babies born with NAS will be taken into care.

Experts believe up to 80 per cent of drug-exposed infants develop the syndrome, with some babies continuing to have symptoms up to six months after discharge from hospital.

Dr Alison Wright, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: ‘We would encourage all pregnant women who use recreational drugs to speak to their GP, obstetrician or midwife, who will be able to offer non-judgemental and appropriate advice, help and support.’

Sharon Mallett, director of nursing at drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You, added: ‘The earlier parents seek support the more positive the results are for both the mother and child.

‘That’s why it’s really important not to judge mothers who do come forward around this issue.’

To wean newborns of these drug addictions, morphine and methadone can be given to them.

But because not every infant is prescribed these drugs, the real number of NAS cases could be even higher.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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