Implementation of Universal Maternal Drug Screening to Identify Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Candidates

Maternal drug use while pregnant can contribute to subsequent neonatal drug withdrawal. Early identification of at risk neonates for drug withdrawal can be accomplished with implementation of universal drug screenings when hospitalized for an infant's delivery. This article explores drug abuse nationally and in the state of Ohio specifically. It examines possible causation of the growing epidemic of drug usage among women and the impact of intrauterine drug exposure on neonates as exhibited by neonatal abstinence syndrome. The process of universal maternal drug screening implementation to identify neonates at risk for drug withdrawal post-birth in one Ohio metropolis is discussed.