Meconium is a substance that lines a baby’s intestines before birth. If it passes while the baby is still in the uterus, it can harm lung function. Meconium aspiration can lead to infections such as pneumonia and requires treatment with antibiotics and oxygen therapy. The baby may need to stay in the NICU for a few days to many weeks. Lasting respiratory effects may occur and require periodic monitoring and medical evaluation.
Meconium refers to a dark green, sticky, tarry substance that lines a baby’s intestines before they are born. Generally, meconium is not released in a baby’s bowel movement until the baby is born. Sometimes the meconium can pass while the baby is still in the uterus. This becomes worrying, especially if the meconium is thick, because the baby is at risk of pulmonary aspiration when this occurs. Typically, scant meconium poses little risk to the baby. When thick, however, it can harm lung function.
Typically, when meconium staining is evident, such as when normally clear amniotic fluid turns yellow or green, the mother is closely monitored during labor. When this occurs, the caregiver is waiting for a tool called a DeLee suction. This device can aspirate meconium from the baby’s lungs before he takes his first breath, possibly preventing aspiration. Generally, when evidence of meconium is present, the baby will be monitored more intensively for fetal distress.
As the labor process progresses and the abnormal heart rate or respiratory rate tells health care providers that the baby is in fetal distress, a cesarean delivery may be warranted. If, however, surgery is not needed, accelerated delivery using a vacuum extraction apparatus or forceps may be necessary. When meconium is aspirated or inhaled into the lungs of the newborn, this is called meconium aspiration. This condition can lead to infections such as pneumonia and warrant a stay in the NICU.
Usually, treatment for meconium aspiration or aspiration pneumonia requires treatment with antibiotics. Also, your baby may need oxygen therapy to assist with breathing until he or she can breathe without assistance. Because these children can become very ill very quickly, their condition must be closely monitored. This type of monitoring may include a heart monitor and frequent blood tests to evaluate the function of your baby’s heart, kidneys, and lungs.
The length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, depends on the severity and extent of the condition. The baby can stay in the unit from a few days to many weeks. Typically, the neonatal patient makes a complete recovery, with no lasting effects. Sometimes, however, lasting respiratory effects may occur and may require periodic monitoring and medical evaluation. Meconium staining is not uncommon, however, it should be closely monitored and treated to reduce the risk of complications.
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