How do drugs like morphine lead to neonatal apnea?

Morphine is a central nervous system depressant that can lead to respiratory depression in both adults and infants. When a pregnant woman takes morphine, the drug can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, affecting the baby's respiratory center in the brainstem. This can result in decreased respiratory drive and lead to neonatal apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing that last longer than 20 seconds.

Additionally, infants born to mothers who have taken morphine during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms, including respiratory depression, after birth. This can further increase the risk of neonatal apnea.

It is important for healthcare providers to closely monitor infants born to mothers who have taken morphine during pregnancy and provide appropriate treatment and support to prevent and manage neonatal apnea.