'Heartbreaking': 52 babies born with drug addictions at Shropshire hospitals

The figures revealed that 52 babies born at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals trust between 2011 and 2017 had inherited a drug dependency.

Of those, 18 had been born with a heroin addiction, seven with a methadone dependency and six with a cocaine addiction.

Also included in the figure were two who were born with an alcohol addiction, one each with ecstasy or cocaine, and 27 where the drug had not been recorded.

The figures came from a Freedom of Information Act, requested by Liberal Democrat campaigner Paul Quarmby, who said it was truly heartbreaking.

“These shocking figures are both horrific and tragic,” he said. “It shows how much more needs to be done to help those in need.

“The NHS need to invest much more cash in specialist medics to help addicted mums-to-be.

“These figures are shocking in themselves, yet they illustrate a wider problem. There are thousands of children in the UK growing up with parents who have a drug problem

“It frankly breaks my heart. We need to do more to help these babies.”

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said substance abuse could have a profound effect on a child.

The charity’s West Midlands campaign manager, Ally Sultana said: “Drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy, and around children, can have a devastating and long-lasting impact.

“In three years, there were 25,000 contacts to the NSPCC helpline raising concerns of substance abuse near children.”

He said substance misuse often led to the neglect or abuse of children, adding that the public had a duty to look out for potential signs and contact the charity if necessary.

In neighbouring Wolverhampton 27 babies were born over the same period of time with a drug addiction, with an estimated cost to the NHS of £395,000 to care for the children and their symptoms. It was estimated that the cost for each child came to an average of £5,300.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome symptoms can last from one week up to months and withdrawal depends on the medicines or drugs - and the amounts - the baby was exposed to during pregnancy.

When a mother who has continued abusing substances while pregnant gives birth and the umbilical cord is cut the supply of drugs to the baby suddenly stops and the tot shows signs of physical withdrawal.

This “cold turkey” withdrawal process and effects are similar to those suffered by an adult who suddenly stops taking a drug or medication rather than being weaned off.

Symptoms can include a “continuous high-pitched cry”, fast breathing, “irritability and restlessness and scratching of their faces” and shaking of arms and legs whether disturbed or resting.

Anybody concerned about the welfare of a child can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.