‘Fetal fentanyl syndrome’: How fentanyl exposure is stunting babies’ development

More babies are being born with severe birth defects. Scientists believe this increase may be due to mothers using fentanyl during pregnancy.

Hospitals identified at least 30 newborns with a condition now called “fetal fentanyl syndrome.” This syndrome causes defects such as cleft palates, unusually small heads, drooping eyelids, webbed toes and underdeveloped joints.

Researchers previously observed similar defects in babies whose mothers reported drug use. New research, however, revealed that fentanyl disrupts the fetus’s ability to produce cholesterol , which is essential for brain development.

Doctors suggested this new understanding helps explain why some babies exposed to fentanyl in the womb develop these specific defects. Although fentanyl use during pregnancy is known to cause other problems like preterm birth and stillbirth, not all babies exposed to fentanyl show these particular defects.

The findings indicate that babies with certain genetic vulnerabilities may be more likely to suffer from fentanyl-related birth defects. Medical professionals called for further research and increased awareness to improve diagnosis and support for babies affected by fentanyl exposure.

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