Meconium in Utero: Understanding Fetal Stress During Labor

Question
my god daughter is in labor and her baby had a bowel movement in the womb. they connected a heart monitor to the baby's head. is this a serious situation?

Answer
Hello Jan. Passing meconium inutero can be a sign that the baby is under some stress. However, it is NOT the emergency sign that we used to think it was. I am sorry to say that this event will be used by the drs. to press toward a c/section, so don't be surprised if that is what happens. The scalp monitor is very common, often unecessary, but a way for the dr and hospital to protect themselves from lawsuits should the outcome be less than perfect. Hope that answers your question and that all ends well. Cheri.