What Is Meconium And Can Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) Be Dangerous For My Baby?

What is meconium? Essentially, meconium is the baby’s stool [1], which is a buildup of the materials that a baby ingests throughout the growing process in the mother’s womb. Although meconium varies in color, it is primarily dark green. Moreover, the substance can also be brown and yellow in color.

Primarily, meconium will not be passed until after birth. When meconium is passed, it becomes absorbed into the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. When the water is broken, and the substance is present as fluid, the doctors and nurses will know that a meconium has been passed. Meconium, and other factors, can show signs that the baby may be experiencing distress and is struggling with a vaginal delivery. Because meconium can be deadly if swallowed by the baby due to its ability to block airways, which lead to respiratory problems, doctors must immediately remove the substance from the nose and mouth following the delivery. Following birth, an examination will be performed to determine if the meconium is present past the baby’s vocal cords, which will increase the chances of meconium aspiration syndrome.

[1] Johns Hopkins Medicine Meconium Aspiration Syndrome https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meconium-aspiration-syndrome