Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Meconium aspiration syndrome, or MAS, occurs when a newborn inhales meconium into its respiratory system. Meconium is a thick, sticky substance found in the intestines of a fetus or newborn.
What is going on in the body?
Meconium may be released into the amniotic fluid when a
fetus is in distress. This may occur when a fetus is not getting enough oxygen or
nutrients. If this happens, the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus goes from clear to green. As a newborn takes his or her first breath, or
aspiration, the meconium can be inhaled into the lungs. It may partly or
completely block the airways. This keeps the baby from getting enough oxygen.
In developed countries, 8% to 20% of the babies born after 34 weeks gestation have meconium-stained amniotic fluid. As many as 1% to 9% of these babies develop meconium aspiration syndrome. MAS is a leading cause of serious illness and death among newborns.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Following are some of the factors that increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome:
fetal distress during labor
high blood pressure in the mother during her pregnancy
low levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus
placental insufficiency, which is the failure of the placenta to supply nutrients to the fetus
preeclampsia, a complication marked by swelling and high blood pressure
pregnancy that lasts 42 weeks or longer
smoking during pregnancy
use of drugs, such as cocaine, during pregnancy
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