Substance use during pregnancy is a risk factor for negative pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Infants at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are also at increased risk for pre-term birth, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction. Substance use in pregnancy is also a marker for social and environmental risks that contribute to mental, physical and developmental challenges for infants and children.
In 2016, PCMCH and a panel of experts revised the NAS Clinical Guidelines to include:
- Updated recommendations to reflect current evidence and practice, particularly in the area of drug toxicology testing and NAS management;
- Updated references and expanded list of resources for use; and
- More streamlined and condensed recommendations.