Who is affected by meconium aspiration?
Meconium is passed into the amniotic fluid in about 10 percent of births. It usually occurs in babies born at term (37 to 41 weeks) or post-term (after 42 weeks).

Why is meconium aspiration a concern?
Meconium particles in the amniotic fluid can block small airways and prevent the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide after birth. Some babies have immediate respiratory distress and have to be resuscitated at birth. Others develop respiratory distress within a few hours.

Some babies with meconium aspiration need a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine) because of the difficulty breathing. The plugged airways may cause air to be trapped and leak into the tissues in and around the lungs. Infection can also occur causing pneumonia. Although the condition often improves within a few days, severe meconium aspiration, and the respiratory problems it causes, may lead to death in a small number of babies.

What are the symptoms of meconium aspiration?
Meconium in the amniotic fluid gives the fluid a greenish color. This is called meconium staining. Babies who have been exposed to meconium in the amniotic fluid for a long time may have yellowed skin and nails.

The following are the most common symptoms of meconium aspiration. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Rapid breathing

Retractions (pulling in of the chest wall)

Grunting sounds with breathing

Cyanosis (blue coloring)

Overdistended chest because of trapped air

The symptoms of meconium aspiration may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's doctor for a diagnosis.

How is meconium aspiration diagnosed?
The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid is key to the diagnosis. A chest X-ray also helps diagnose meconium aspiration. X-rays are a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.