In infants exposed to opioid use disorder treatment during pregnancy, what neonatal outcome is monitored after birth?

• A. Neonatal jaundice
• B. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
• C. Neonatal withdrawal (neonatal abstinence syndrome)
• D. No neonatal concerns

Answer: (C)

Opioids cross the placenta and create fetal dependence. After birth, with no continuing maternal opioid supply, the infant may go through withdrawal, which is what clinicians actively monitor. This neonatal abstinence syndrome manifests as irritability, tremors, high-pitched crying, sleeplessness, poor feeding, sweating, yawning, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and general hypertonicity. The timing is usually within the first day or two after birth, though onset can vary depending on the specific opioid exposure and duration of in utero use. Monitoring often uses a standardized scoring system to track severity and guide treatment. While neonatal jaundice and respiratory distress can occur for various reasons, they are not the specific neonatal outcome most associated with opioid exposure.