Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Meconium is the stool or feces that comes out for the first time when a baby is born. Due to some reason, such as stress during the womb or the presence of a twist of the umbilical cord, meconium can come out while the baby is still in the womb.
This can contaminate the amniotic fluid. At birth, this stressed baby inhales contaminated amniotic fluid and eventually causes meconium aspiration syndrome.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms and signs that can be seen in meconium aspiration syndrome are as follows:
- Baby’s skin looks bluish
- Shortness of breath at birth
- Dark and greenish amniotic fluid due to meconium contamination
- Babies are not active at birth
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Reason
While still in the womb, the baby has actually started practicing breathing. This breathing exercise is performed by inhaling amniotic fluid into the trachea and then expelling it from the trachea. This is normal and safe because amniotic fluid is sterile and free of germs.
However, due to some reason, for example an infection during pregnancy or a twist on the umbilical cord, the baby’s condition deteriorates and causes the baby to pass its first stool (meconium) while still in the womb. This meconium then contaminates the supposedly sterile amniotic fluid. When the baby breathes for the first time, amniotic fluid that is no longer sterile can be inhaled and cause meconium aspiration syndrome.
Although generally caused by an infection in the womb, several other reasons can also cause meconium aspiration, such as:
- The process of giving birth is long and lengthy
- Infant age> 42 weeks when born
- Babies born to smoking mothers
- Babies born to mothers with diabetes, hypertension or chronic lung and heart problems
- Disorders of the baby’s development during pregnancy
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome is determined based on the results of the physical examination and supporting examinations.
On physical examination, the following signs will be found:
- Amniotic fluid is cloudy and dark green
- The baby looks short of breath with nostrils breathing and chest muscle pull
- Additional breath sounds heard with a stethoscope
Meanwhile, on supporting examination, the following results can be found:
- The baby’s heart rate is weak before birth
- Examination of the baby’s blood gases shows a decrease in blood oxygen levels
- Chest X-ray examination shows a picture of scattered spots
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Treatment
Treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome is done in several ways, such as:
- Cleaning the baby’s airway with a suction device
- Installation of breathing apparatus so that the lungs continue to function properly
- Use of baby warmers to keep body temperature stable
- Chest physiotherapy to help thin fluids that enter the lungs
- Administer antibiotics if there are indications of infection
Complications
Several complications can occur in babies who experience meconium aspiration syndrome, namely:
- Chronic lung disease
- Developmental disorders
- Hearing impairment
- Death, but this case is rare
Prevention
Prevention of meconium aspiration syndrome is done by detecting various risk factors as early as possible. Here are some things to look out for:
- if the mother sees a dark green liquid coming out of the birth canal, immediately tell the doctor or midwife who is treating her
- immediately go for a check-up if the movement of the baby in the womb is reduced or absent altogether
- strictly control the baby’s heart rate during labour
- amniotic infusion, which is washing the amniotic fluid with saline
- clearing the baby’s airway immediately after the baby is born