State notes increase in newborns suffering from mothers’ opioid use during pregnancy

A new report from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) says the rate of newborns exposed to opiates during pregnancy is on the rise.
Symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) typically begin manifesting within 24 hours of birth, according to the DHSS report, although it may take as long as a week.
“NAS infants are vulnerable and may need additional support beyond what is provided by health care specialists during the neonatal period,” the report stated.
In the maj