What are some neonatal abnormalities associated with maternal narcotic use during pregnancy?

Maternal narcotic use during pregnancy can lead to several neonatal abnormalities, with increased activity and withdrawal symptoms being particularly significant. When infants are exposed to narcotics in utero, they are at risk for developing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), characterized by signs of withdrawal after birth. These withdrawal symptoms may include increased muscle tone, irritability, tremors, and feeding difficulties, illustrating a higher level of activity and hyperresponsiveness to stimuli.

Increased activity in newborns experiencing withdrawal can manifest as excessive crying, restlessness, and difficulty calming down. These infants may exhibit a range of behaviors that prompt significant monitoring and management to support their transition to postnatal life.

In contrast, while decreased tone, lethargy, and reduced arousal to stimulation can occur in some contexts, they are not the defining features of the withdrawal symptoms associated with narcotic exposure. Hyperactivity and poor weight gain are also symptoms that can be observed, but what stands out in this scenario are the hallmark signs of withdrawal marked by increased activity. Hence, the correct characterization of neonatal abnormalities related to maternal narcotic use focuses on increased activity levels and the accompanying withdrawal symptoms.