What increased nearly fivefold from 2000 to 2014 affecting newborns in rural areas?

The increase nearly fivefold from 2000 to 2014 in the context of newborns in rural areas directly relates to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This condition arises when a newborn is exposed to addictive illegal or prescription drugs while in the womb. As drug use, particularly opioids, surged in many communities during this period, hospitals began to report a significant rise in infants experiencing withdrawal symptoms at birth due to maternal substance use.

This increase highlights broader issues related to substance abuse, maternal health, and available support services in rural areas, where access to comprehensive healthcare can be more limited. In contrast, breastfeeding rates, maternal health awareness, and teething complications did not see such a drastic and alarming rise, indicating that NAS was a significant and concerning trend affecting infant health during that time. The focus on NAS underscores the critical need for addressing substance abuse in maternity care and connecting mothers with the resources they need to support their newborns' health.