Fifty-eight newborn babies were treated in hospital last year after being born addicted to illegal drugs including heroin.
A further 19 newborns had to be treated because they were badly affected by their mother’s use of such substances. And 11 infants were hospitalised after being born addicted to legal drugs, like benzodiazepines, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Dr Mary McCaffrey, a consultant gynaecologist, said: “That’s probably the tip of the iceberg because a lot of babies may not even be identified.” Research has found almost every drug and medicine passes from the mother to her unborn baby.
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Dr McCaffrey explained: “Cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and cannabis all have different reactions. If a child is born addicted to whatever drug it is, then the baby is monitored by a paediatric team.
"They may get a low dose of morphine or sometimes they need medications if they are jittery, to stop them having seizures.”
Beaumont Hospital consultant, Bill Tormey, says there are other symptoms also. He added: “Babies with heroin and methadone addictions may be born with withdrawal symptoms of uncontrollable trembling, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, sensitivity to noise and light and blotchy skin.
“Other commonly found drugs are benzodiazepines, cocaine and antipsychotic medications. Over the last 10 years, over 1,000 babies have been born addicted to legal or illegal drugs.”
Dr McCaffrey has called for routine screening to detect if pregnant women are on drugs.
She added: “The earlier we can work with a woman, the better, to help her to come off or reduce drugs, and work towards a healthy pregnancy and baby.”
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