Meconium aspiration : Symptoms / signs

Meconium aspiration:-

Inhalation of meconium ( first fecal material passed from baby) by the baby in the womb, during delivery, or soon after delivery is called as meconium aspiration”.  MAS is the disease seen in neonates. Meconium aspiration is also termed as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Symptoms / Signs of meconium aspiration:-

• weak cry or baby won’t cry after birth.

• limpness can be observed in baby, soon after birth.

• amniotic fluid is stained with greenish colored meconium.

• abdominal skin of baby is stained with meconium.

• shallow and rapid breathing.

• apnea : absence of breathing.

• dull activity of Baby and low APGAR score.

• difficulty in respiration; as meconium is aspired to respiratory tract.

• peeling skin, weight loss and other symptoms appear as the baby is post matured.

• lack of oxygen leads to blue coloration of  body, i.e. cyanosis.

These are the main signs and symptoms of meconium aspiration. The keen observation of baby or physical examination helps in thorough assessment of baby to identify signs and symptoms..