Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
NAS currently has no provider, so no NAS services will be offered at this time.
What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or NAS?
NAS is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he/she is exposed to in the womb before birth. NAS is most often caused when a woman takes drugs called opioids during pregnancy. There have been more than 4,000 reported cases of NAS in Tennessee since surveillance begin in 2013. According to the Tennessee Department of Health the highest rates of NAS in 2018 have occurred in the Northeast and Upper Cumberland Health Regions, and Sullivan County. https://www.tn.gov/health/nas.html
What are signs and symptoms of NAS?
Signs/Symptoms may include:
Trembling (tremors)
Fever
Irritability
Seizures
Excessive sucking
Rapid breathing
Poor ability or inability to feed
High pitch cry
How long does NAS last?
Symptoms related to NAS can last from one week to six months. Most babies are hospitalized for one to two weeks.
How is NAS treated?
Treatment may include: taking medicines to treat or manage server withdrawal symptoms, receiving fluids through an IV, drinking higher-calorie baby formula.
Skin to skin contact, swaddling, quiet surroundings and keeping lights low help comfort a baby with NAS
Key Points
NAS is group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he/she is exposed to in the womb before birth.
NAS is most often caused by drugs called opioids.
If you’re pregnant and taking opioids, talk to your healthcare provider before you stop taking them.
If you’re not pregnant and you’re using opioids, use birth control until you’re ready to get pregnant.
The Sullivan County Regional Health Department is addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome by working within the community to reduce the NAS rates through the following services:
Works in collaboration with community initiatives to provide NAS and Family Planning education and resource referrals to high risk population within Sullivan County
Provides information sessions for patients/clients regarding NAS and Family Planning services to Medication Assisted Treat-ment Clinics, Pain Clinics, and Recovery Centers and through the Judicial System.
Works to educate local providers on community resources and provides up to date guidance on best practices regarding NAS epidemic
For more information on NAS please visit https://www.tn.gov/health/nas.html
Angela McGee, BS
NAS Educator
Sullivan County Regional Health Department
Phone: 423-279-2860
