Pregnant women who use drugs during their pregnancy pass the drugs along to the baby through the placenta. At birth, the baby may experience drug withdrawal depending on the amount of drug the mother used and when she last took it. The American Academy of Pediatric explains that if a week or more elapses between the mother's last use of the drug and delivery of the baby, the risk that the baby will develop drug withdrawal is low. Drugs such as heroin, oxycodone, cocaine, alcohol, marijuana and even inhalants such as glue, gasoline and paint thinner can all cause newborns to experience drug withdrawal.
Temperament and Ability to Sleep
Newborns experiencing drug withdrawal are irritable and cry a lot, often with a very high pitched cry. The March of Dimes notes that babies who experience heroin withdrawal may cry continuously. Drug withdrawal can also make it difficult for newborns to sleep. The Missouri Department of Social Services states that these infants are hyperactive and experience fewer sleep cycles than normal babies.
Temperature Regulation
The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that variations in a newborns temperature are a sign of drug withdrawal. A newborn's body has to adjust to many changes outside of the womb, with temperature regulation being one of them. A baby, who has been under the influence of illegal substances while in the womb, has a more difficult time regulating their temperature than other babies.
Difficulty Feeding and Breathing
Drug withdrawal can cause newborns to have difficulty feeding and thus will gain weight more slowly. These newborns may also have difficult and rapid breathing, also known as tachypnea, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics. Premature babies with drug withdrawal are especially prone to these symptoms. Drug withdrawal may even cause periods of apnea, or times when the baby doesn't breathe at all.
Seizures, Jerkiness and Hiccups
Involuntary muscle movements that manifest as jerky movements are a sign of drug withdrawal. Additionally, the hiccups and otherwise unexplained seizures can also indicate that the mother used drugs during her pregnancy.
