Awaiting the arrival of a baby is very exciting for new parents to be. You get busy collecting all things cute and comfortable, like pretty baby t-shirts for the baby. While ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being, understanding newborn essentials is crucial for their health. If you have heard about newborn meconium or meconium aspiration syndrome and wonder what it means, this blog from Cocooncare covers everything you need to know.
What is Meconium?
Meconium comes from the Greek word mekonion. Meconium is the dark and sticky first stool of a newborn. Meconium poop is coloured dark green. It is made of amniotic fluid, cells and any other substance that the baby ingests while in the uterus. Newborn meconium is usually passed within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.
As per NIH,1 in cases where babies pass meconium in the womb before birth, it mixes with amniotic fluid. When a newborn baby breathes in this fluid before, during or immediately after birth, it leads to meconium aspiration syndrome or MAS.
Signs and Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Newborn
If a baby passes meconium in the womb before birth, doctors closely monitor for signs and symptoms of complications. The following observations are how to know if a baby passed meconium in the womb.
1. Meconium Staining
A greenish tint in the amniotic fluid indicates that meconium was passed in the womb. This is called meconium staining. Meconium-stained babies have a tint on their skin.
2. Breathing Problem
A rapid or struggling breathing in a newborn also indicates meconium aspiration syndrome. Medical professionals may perform immediate suctioning to clear the baby’s airways. In extreme cases, babies may need oxygen support.
3. Skin Colour
Breathing in meconium poop can cause respiratory blockages. A bluish skin colour may develop in babies due to lack of oxygen. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to complications requiring intensive care. They may appear pale or limp.
4. Grunting
The baby may make abnormal grunting sounds while struggling to breathe. This is another indication of meconium aspiration syndrome. The grunting sound happens as the baby tries to push air through partially blocked airways. If left untreated, this can lead to further complications like decreased oxygen levels.
5. Chest Movments
Uneven and irregular chest movements and chest retractions often indicate difficulty in breathing. Meconium aspiration causes inflammation in the lungs making breathing harder. Close medical monitoring is necessary to prevent further complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Babies with uncomplicated meconium aspiration syndrome will recover within a few days or weeks.
What happens when a baby swallows meconium
Meconium baby poop is thick and sticky. When a baby swallows meconium, it does not cause any health risk and is completely ok. Inhaling meconium-stained amniotic fluid can block airways and affect oxygen flow.
Doctors use suction techniques at birth to clear the airways and provide breathing support if needed. Gently cleaning the baby’s mouth and skin with a soft washcloth can remove any residual newborn meconium and keep them comfortable.
Meconium Baby Poop Cause any Risk?
Newborn meconium as such does not cause any risk. The dark green sticky meconium baby poop can often be seen on a newborn’s nappy, as an early sign that the baby is passing their first stool. Swallowing meconium poop is found to be non-threatening too. But inhalation of meconium or meconium-stained amniotic fluid leads to meconium aspiration syndrome which can lead to respiratory complications.
Keeping your baby comfortable and warm after birth is essential. Wrapping them in a soft baby swaddle can help regulate their body temperature and provide a sense of security in the first few days after birth.
When to see a doctor:
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No meconium passes in 48 hours
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Bloated belly
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Vomiting
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Signs of distress
Conclusion
Newborn meconium poop is a natural part of your baby’s first days though it needs monitoring. Recognising the signs of meconium aspiration syndrome ensures safety. Stay prepared with the right newborn baby essentials from Cocoon Care.
With a deep understanding of newborn care, Cocoon Care is dedicated to providing high-quality, comfortable and safe products like baby jhabla and toddler clothes that support your baby’s well-being from day one to toddlerhood.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Meconium Baby
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How to avoid a baby passing meconium?
You cannot avoid a baby passing meconium poop. They are more likely to pass meconium if it is a long and hard delivery, if born past the due date or if the mother has health issues. It is ideal to have regular pre-natal checkups to monitor the well-being of the baby. Also, mothers should be stress-free and in optimum health.
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How long does the baby stay in meconium?
Baby meconium pass happens within 24 to 48 hours after birth. Meconium-stained lungs are usually cleared within a few days with medical support.
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How much meconium is normal?
One to a few meconium poops within 24 to 48 hours after birth are normal. If the meconium pass does not happen within this timeframe, consult a doctor.
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Reference:
Monfredini C, Cavallin F, Villani PE, Paterlini G, Allais B, Trevisanuto D. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Children (Basel). 2021 Mar 17;8(3):230. doi: 10.3390/children8030230. PMID: 33802887; PMCID: PMC8002729.
