Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Maternal Poppy Seed Tea Ingestion and Ensuing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Melissa Rae Garcia1, Madeleine J Swortwood2, Christine Nicole Aune3,4
1San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Daily poppy seed tea consumption during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborns. This condition results from the morphine content in the tea, posing risks to infant health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) incidence is increasing in the USA.
- Non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal withdrawal symptoms have been documented.
Observation:
- A case of NAS is presented in an infant born to a mother consuming poppy seed tea daily for nausea relief.
- The mother reported consistent daily intake for approximately 7 months during pregnancy.
Findings:
- A replicated sample of the mother's poppy seed tea recipe was analyzed.
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed approximately 7.8 mg of morphine per serving.
- The mother consumed the tea 5-6 days per week.
Implications:
- Poppy seed tea contains significant morphine levels, posing a risk during pregnancy.
- This case highlights the potential dangers of self-treating pregnancy-related symptoms with unregulated substances.
- Increased awareness and screening for maternal consumption of poppy seed tea are crucial for preventing NAS.
More Related Videos
05:13Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Published on: February 28, 2025
15:27Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
Published on: July 13, 2014
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
Teratogenicity