Meconium Health Dictionary

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Meconium: From 3 Different Sources

The thick, sticky, greenishblack faeces passed by infants in the first day or two after birth. It consists of bile, mucus, and shed intestinal cells.

Occasionally, the fetus passes meconium into the amniotic fluid in the uterus. This is more common in babies who experience fetal distress during labour or who are over 40 weeks’ gestation. Meconium in the amniotic fluid may be inhaled when the baby starts to breathe, sometimes blocking the airways and damaging the lungs.

In some babies with cystic fibrosis, the meconium is so thick and sticky that it blocks the intestine (see intestine, obstruction of).

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The brown, semi-?uid material which collects in the bowels of a FETUS before birth, and which should be discharged either at the time of birth or shortly afterwards. It consists partly of BILE secreted by the liver before birth; partly of debris from the mucous membrane of the intestines.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the first stools of a newborn baby, which are sticky and dark green and composed of cellular debris, mucus, and bile pigments. The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid during labour indicates fetal distress. See also ileus; peritonitis.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Meconium Aspiration

a condition occurring during childbirth in which the baby inhales meconium into the lungs during delivery. This can cause plugs in the airways and the baby may become short of oxygen (hypoxic). Treatment is to assist breathing if necessary, with physiotherapy and antibiotics.... meconium aspiration

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