What abnormalities may a neonate experience due to maternal narcotic use during pregnancy?

A neonate exposed to maternal narcotic use during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms, which are a direct result of the infant's physiological adaptation to the cessation of narcotic substances after birth. Maternal narcotic use can lead to the development of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), where the newborn exhibits signs of withdrawal due to the factors influencing the central nervous system and neuroendocrine responses.

The neonate may show a range of withdrawal symptoms that can include irritability, poor feeding, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures, among others. These symptoms arise because the infant, having been dependent on narcotics while in utero, experiences a sudden withdrawal when separated from the mother’s influence. This makes the identification and management of withdrawal symptoms crucial for improving outcomes for infants affected by maternal substance use.

In contrast, decreased tone, excessive sleepiness, and high fevers are not typical direct consequences of maternal narcotic use alone. While decreased tone and excessive sleepiness can occur in various situations, they are not as specifically defined or prevalent as withdrawal symptoms in this context. High fevers in a neonate may suggest infection or other conditions rather than being a direct correlate of maternal narcotic exposure. Thus, withdrawal symptoms provide a clear and clinically