About this topic
Meconium aspiration is when your baby breathes in fluid and meconium around the time of birth. Meconium is the name for the first stools that are passed by your baby. These first stools are thick, black, or dark green, and very sticky. Some babies pass meconium while still inside the womb. This can cause breathing problems if your baby inhales this during birth. ‚
Sometimes, doctors will just watch your baby very closely if there has been meconium in the amniotic fluid. Other times, breathing in the meconium can cause serious breathing problems. Your baby may need a machine for a while to help withe breathing. Sometimes, meconium in your baby 's lungs can cause the pressure to raise in the lungs. Then, your baby will have problems getting enough blood to the lungs and enough oxygen to the body. ‚
What are the causes?
Meconium aspiration is most often caused when a baby passes stool before birth. This may happen because something is causing the baby to be stressed. Your baby may be stressed before birth because: ‚
- It is past the due date
- There is an infection
- You are in hard labor
- There is low oxygen to your baby
- You have a serious illness like diabetes or high blood pressure
What are the main signs?
Your baby may have: ‚
- Fast breathing, very shallow breathing, or no breathing at all
- Lack of energy and poor muscle tone
- Muscles below and between the ribs and above the collarbone work harder to let your baby breathe
- Nostrils get wider during breathing
- Wheezing or grunting
- Bluish tint to the lips or nails, caused by lack of oxygen in the bloodstream
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Sometimes, the doctor will see that the fluid on or around your baby is greenish in color. This can mean your baby has passed stool into the fluid. Your doctor may place a tube in your babys windpipe right after they birth to try and suction out as much fluid as possible. ‚
Your doctor will take your baby 's history do an exam. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Chest x-ray
- A monitor to check how much oxygen is in the blood. This is called pulse oximetry.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your baby may need extra help to breathe. Some babies only need a little oxygen. Others need a breathing machine. Some who are very sick need a special machine to help get oxygen into their bloodstream and to help keep blood moving through the body.
- The doctor may give your baby antibiotics and other drugs.
- Your baby may need help to stay warm. Your baby may need I.V. fluids if not able to eat from a bottle or breast right away.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Loosen mucus
- Help with swelling in the airways and lungs
What problems could happen?
- Air on outside of the lung
- High pressure in your babys lungs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
t is not possible to prevent this problem. You may be able to lower the chances of future babies having problems if you do these things while you are pregnant: ‚
- Have proper prenatal care
- Avoid use of certain drugs
- Keep a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet. Do not smoke. Do not drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol).
Where can I learn more?
Department of Health, Victoria ‚
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/neonatalhandbook/conditions/meconium-aspiration-syndrome.htm ‚
KidsHealth.org ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/lungs/meconium.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-14 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neonatal
- Pediatric
- Respiratory
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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