Meconium Aspiration: Understanding What It Is and What to Do

Question
MY NEICE HAS JUST GIVEN BIRTH TODAY. THEY SAID THE BABY HAD A BOWEL MOVEMENT IN THE SACK AND THEY FEEL SHE INHALED IT INTO HER LUNGS. HOW SERIOUS IS THIS PLEASE

THANK YOU

Answer
Dear Syndi,

When the baby passes a bowel movement in utero it is called meconium. Meconium is sterile, unlike later feces, and has no odor. It tends to indicate fetal stress during or prior to labor. Meconium is normally stored in the infant's intestines until after birth, but sometimes (often in response to fetal distress) it is expelled into the amniotic fluid prior to birth, or during labor. If the baby then inhales the contaminated fluid, respiratory problems may occur. When infants take meconium into their lungs during or before delivery, it is called Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS).

Fetal distress and post-term delivery are the most common reasons for meconium aspiration to develop, but it is also associated with small-for-gestational-age infants, umbilical cord complications, chronic medical conditions, and poor intrauterine growth.

Meconium passage into the amniotic fluid occurs in about 5-20% of all births. Meconium aspiration syndrome develops in only 5-10% of these cases. Three main problems occur if this happens:
-the material may block the airways
-efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs is lowered
-the meconium-tainted fluid is irritating, inflaming airways and possibly leading to chemical pneumonia

About a third of those infants who experience MAS require breathing assistance.

Treatment for MAS may include suctioning the airway, antibiotics, use of a ventilator or artificial breathing machine, and chest physiotherapy.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you and your family well.

Brenda