Maternal use of methadone, a synthetic opioid, during pregnancy can cause the baby to go through withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can occur in varying degrees. The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the amount of methadone the mother last consumed and how close to delivery it occurred, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Because methadone is short acting, withdrawal symptoms usually begin 24 to 72 hours after delivery.
Central Nervous System
The most common symptoms of infant withdrawal are associated with the central nervous system, CNS. The baby is irritable and difficult to console. Tremors often occur along with a high-pitched cry and increased muscle tone. These neuromotor symptoms are part of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, NAS, which according to "The Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care" authors Gerald Merenstein and Sandra Gardner, is a disorder made up of central nervous system hyperirritability and other symptoms involving the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. These CNS symptoms can last for 4 to 6 months. Initially the baby may appear restless, and then tremors develop. At first the tremors occur with touch and as the tremors progress, they occur spontaneously without touch. Seizures are more likely to occur in babies born to mothers who used methadone, notes the University of Virginia Health System.
Respiratory Problems
Methadone use may alter the development of a baby's respiratory system. The baby might have a higher than normal respiratory rate, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, inward pulling of the chest when breathing and periods of cyanosis or bluish skin discoloration, says the University of Virginia Health System. There is also an increase incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, in methadone babies in comparison to drug-free babies. It becomes very important for parents to learn the skills needed when caring for their baby as he withdraws from passive methadone addiction.
Feeding Difficulties
These babies frequently do not tolerate feeding and will vomit or have increased regurgitation. They often appear hungry by sucking on their hands and fists, but when placed to the bottle or breast, their suck and swallow is uncoordinated. Wrapping a baby in a blanket before he starts the feeding and avoid rocking him may help his coordination with sucking and swallowing. Loose, watery stools prove common and he will need to have his parents or caregivers watch him closely for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
The sleep patterns in babies withdrawing from methadone are irregular. Parents find this one of the most challenging symptoms to work through. Withdrawal in the baby prevents normal periods of deep sleep, notes Gerald Merenstein and Sandra Gardner. Decreasing the noise and light in the environment and coordinating care will help him sleep comfortably.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Neonatal Drug Withdrawal
- "Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care"; Gerald Merenstein and Sandra Gardner; 2006
- University of Virginia Health System: High-Risk Newborn
