Why Meconium Is Bad?
Meconium Particles in the Amniotic Fluid Can Block Small Airways and Prevent a Baby from Breathing Properly, Causing Respiratory Distress. If This Occurs, Some...
Meconium particles in the amniotic fluid can block small airways and prevent a baby from breathing properly, causing respiratory distress. If this occurs, some babies may need the help of a mechanical breathing machine. A baby who has inhaled meconium may also develop an infection, which can cause pneumonia.
Why is meconium a concern?
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.
Does meconium affect baby?
The meconium can also block the infant's airways right after birth. It can cause breathing problems due to swelling (inflammation) in the baby's lungs after birth. Risk factors that may cause stress on the baby before birth include: "Aging" of the placenta if the pregnancy goes far past the due date.
Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.
