What is a common sign of narcotic withdrawal in newborns?

A high-pitched cry is a well-recognized sign of opioid withdrawal in newborns. This symptom is often characterized by a loud, inconsolable cry that differs from a normal, healthy infant's cry. Opioid exposure in utero, due to maternal use of narcotics, can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the newborn after birth, a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The high-pitched cry typically signifies discomfort and irritability, reflecting the infant's nervous system being overstimulated as it adjusts to life outside the womb without narcotics.

Other potential options in the question might seem like they could be viable signs for newborns, but they do not correlate with narcotic withdrawal. For instance, weight gain would usually not be associated with withdrawal, as affected infants often struggle with feeding and may lose weight. A low-pitched cry is not a symptom of withdrawal; it usually indicates a calm or content state in an infant. Insomnia may occur in some newborns but is less specific for narcotic withdrawal than the high-pitched cry. Therefore, the high-pitched cry serves as a crucial and distinct clinical indicator of withdrawal in newborns exposed to narcotics in utero.