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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Prevention & Expectations

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the condition?

Meconium aspiration is not always preventable. The following steps may help in some situations:

  • If at all possible, a baby should be delivered before the pregnancy reaches 42 weeks.
  • Babies at high risk for MAS should be monitored closely after birth. This includes postmature babies, and those who were in fetal distress during labor.
  • If a woman's water breaks at home, she should tell her healthcare provider the color of the fluid.
  • When green-tinged amniotic fluid is reported or seen, labor should be monitored closely.
  • At birth, the healthcare provider should suction out as much meconium as possible from the mouth, nose, and airways.
  • What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    Up to 20% of the babies with meconium aspiration syndrome die from respiratory problems. Other possible complications include the following:

  • atelectasis, which is a collapsed lung
  • chronic lung problems
  • permanent brain damage
  • pneumonia
  • seizures

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    Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 09/24/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009