Meconium aspiration (newborn respiratory problem)

Description Meconium is the fir...

Description

Meconium is the first stool of the newborn, and is green in color. Meconium aspiration occurs when the newborn breathes in this green material at the time of delivery resulting in damage to the lungs and breathing difficulties. Not all babies who breathe in meconium suffer lung damage. The following conditions increase the likelihood of this disorder: pregnancy beyond 40 weeks gestation, decreased oxygen to the baby during delivery, a difficult delivery, mothers with high blood pressure, and mothers with diabetes.

Symptoms

Bluish skin color (cyanosis), breathing problems, dark greenish amniotic fluid, muscle limpness, skin peeling, weight loss.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Before birth, the fetal monitor may show problems with the baby's heart rate and a slow heart rate. At birth, meconium may be seen in the amniotic fluid, and the doctor may visualize the meconium at the vocal cords by using a laryngoscope. The baby may suffer breathing problems and a low Apgar score. A chest x-ray may reveal increased markings consistent with inflammation and fluid in the lungs.

Tests:
X-ray

Specialists:
Pediatrics, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine

Treatment

Therapy is aimed at removing the meconium as soon as possible and treating any lung damage. The meconium is suctioned out of the mouth and a breathing tube may be placed in the trachea for further suctioning. Further treatment may require mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics.