What type of withdrawal syndrome may present weeks after the birth of a baby exposed to methadone?

The correct answer is neonatal withdrawal syndrome, which is specifically associated with infants who have been exposed to substances such as methadone in utero. This phenomenon occurs because methadone, a long-acting opioid used in treating opioid dependence, can lead to physical dependence in the developing fetus.

After birth, the infant may not show signs of withdrawal immediately. Instead, symptoms can manifest a few days to even weeks later, which is characteristic of neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Signs can include irritability, difficulty feeding, excessive crying, and alterations in sleep patterns. The timing of symptom onset is crucial in understanding and managing withdrawal in infants.

Understanding that this type of withdrawal syndrome is specifically categorized under "neonatal" indicates the direct impact of in utero exposure and differentiates it from other terms like "infant," which may not accurately reflect the specific circumstances of substance exposure and withdrawal behavior. "Early" and "delayed" options do not encapsulate the focus on the period after birth in relation to the effects of substance exposure during pregnancy. Thus, neonatal withdrawal syndrome accurately describes the condition expected in this scenario.