Meconium
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Meconium is the first stool of an infant, composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water. Meconium is sterile, unlike later feces, is viscous and sticky like tar, and has no odor.
Meconium is normally stored in the infant's intestines until after birth, but sometimes it is expelled into the amniotic fluid prior to birth or during labor and delivery. Sometimes the meconium becomes thickened and congested in the ileum, a condition known as meconium ileus. Meconium ileus is often the first symptom of cystic fibrosis.
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when infants take meconium into their lungs during delivery. The inhaled meconium can partially or completely block the baby's airways. Although air can flow past the meconium trapped in the baby's airways as the baby breathes in, the meconium becomes trapped in the airways when the baby breathes out. And so, the inhaled meconium irritates the baby's airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Meconium can be inhaled into the lungs when the baby gasps while still in the womb or during the initial gasping breaths after delivery. This gasping typically happens when there has been a problem (i.e., an infection or compression of the umbilical cord) that causes the baby to have difficulty getting enough oxygen in the womb.
Meconium can be tested for various drugs, to check for in utero exposure. The results of meconium testing run on a newborn can be turned in to child protective services and other law enforcement agencies.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ G.B. v. Dearborn County Div. of Family and Children, 754 N.E.2d 1027 (Ind.Ct.App., 2001).
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