What specific condition is associated with the highest risk in perinatal opioid addiction?

The condition associated with the highest risk in perinatal opioid addiction is neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs when a newborn is exposed to opioids in utero and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth. When a pregnant person uses opioids, the substance passes through the placenta to the developing fetus, which can lead to physiological dependence.

NAS is characterized by a range of symptoms that can include tremors, irritability, feeding difficulties, and seizures in newborns, making it a significant concern in the context of opioid addiction during pregnancy. The withdrawal can vary in severity and duration, often requiring medical intervention and supportive care for the affected infants. Addressing NAS is crucial in perinatal care and requires specialized knowledge and interventions to manage both the immediate and long-term health outcomes for these infants.

The other options, while they may be associated with various risks during pregnancy, do not specifically result from perinatal opioid addiction the way NAS does. Gestational diabetes is primarily related to insulin regulation during pregnancy, low birth weight can result from myriad factors and is not solely linked to opioid use, and congenital anomalies might occur due to various teratogenic exposures but are not directly tied to the effects of opioid dependence like NAS is.