What are potential complications of drug exposure during pregnancy for the infant?

Neonatal withdrawal symptoms occur when an infant is exposed to certain substances while in utero, leading to dependency. If the mother uses substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or certain antidepressants, the baby may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. These symptoms can include irritability, feeding difficulties, tremors, and seizures, depending on the severity and type of drug exposure. Recognizing and managing these symptoms is critical for the healthcare team, as they can significantly impact the infant's health and development.

Chronic illnesses later in life can indeed be influenced by prenatal drug exposure, as can obesity, but these are more indirect consequences and not immediately observable at birth. Acute infections during infancy, while a concern, are not directly linked to the withdrawal process that characterizes the immediate effects of prenatal drug exposure. The focus in this context is on the direct impact of substance exposure on the newborn’s physiological state, making neonatal withdrawal symptoms the best answer.