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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your baby.
- If your baby is going home with oxygen or breathing treatments, be sure you know how to use them before you leave the hospital.
- Do not give cough or cold drugs to your baby unless ordered by the doctor. Coughing out the mucus will help your baby heal faster.
- Keep your baby away from smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your babys progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Loosen mucus
- Help with swelling in the airways and lungs
Will physical activity be limited?
Make sure your baby has enough rest while getting better. Ask your babys doctor what amount of activity is right for your baby. ‚
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).
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or cough.
- Trouble breathing, such as skin pulling in above collar bones, under ribs, or between the ribs
- Bluish color of the skin, lips, and nail beds
- Your baby has trouble taking a bottle or becomes short of breath when eating
- Your baby seems very sleepy
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what drugs my child is taking and why my child is taking them.
- I can tell you what I will do if my baby has trouble breathing or a blue color around the eyes and mouth.
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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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚