Pediatric Meconium Aspiration

Meconium aspiration happens when an infant baby inhales feces found in the amniotic fluid before, during or after birth.

What is Pediatric Meconium Aspiration?

Meconium aspiration happens when an infant inhales (breathes in) some of the amniotic fluid before, during or after birth. If meconium (feces) is inhaled, it can become trapped in the airways and make it difficult or impossible for them to breathe after birth. The more meconium a baby inhales, the more serious situation may become.

Risk factors

The most common risk factors for meconium aspiration include:

Conditions of the mother, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
Growth problems in the uterus
Long labor and delivery
Postmaturity (baby born after 40 weeks)
Umbilical cord problems, including compression or prolapse

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Meconium Aspiration?

Symptoms of meconium aspiration are noted during and immediately following birth and may include:

Breathing problems immediately after birth
Dark green streaks in the amniotic fluid
Limp muscle tone at birth
Low APGAR score at birth (measure of physical condition performed at birth)
Low heart rate (in the baby) before birth
Meconium found in the amniotic fluid
Meconium (green or blue) stains on the newborn’s skin
Signs of postmaturity (such as long fingernails)

What are the causes of Pediatric Meconium Aspiration?

Meconium is a sticky substance that is made of the baby’s first bowel movement. Normally a baby passes meconium within the first few days after birth. Sometimes the meconium is passed into the amniotic fluid before birth. This may happen because the baby is overdue (past 40 weeks), due to fetal distress or for no known reason. Any baby can have meconium aspiration; however, it is not likely in a premature infant.