Meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a serious condition in which a newborn breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery. This can cause breathing difficulties due to swelling (inflammation) in the baby's lungs after birth. Treatment may include suctioning the newborn's mouth as soon as the head emerges during delivery, deep suctioning of the windpipe, antibiotics to treat infection, oxygen to keep blood levels normal, and radiant heat to maintain body temperature. In severe cases, the baby may need assistance breathing (ventilator).^[1]

Meconium is the term used for the early feces passed by a newborn soon after birth. In some cases, the baby passes the meconium while still inside the uterus. This most often happens when babies are under stress because they are not getting enough blood and oxygen. Once the meconium has passed into the surrounding amniotic fluid, the baby may breathe meconium into the lungs. This may happen while the baby is still in the uterus or immediately following birth. Some of the factors that may cause stress on the baby before birth include:^[1]

• Decreased oxygen immediately before or during the birthing process 
• Difficult or lengthy labor and delivery 
• Delivery that occurs past the due date
• High blood pressure in the pregnant mother
• Diabetes in the pregnant mother