meconium

Introduction

The first intestinal releases (feces) of the newborn infant.

Color: green

Components:

• epithelial cells
• mucus
• bile

Pathology

• meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) may develop in a small percentage of infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid

Management

• non-suctioning is as safe as routine suctioning at the perineum for infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid; transfer infant to neonatal team

More general terms

• feces (stool)

Additional terms

• meconium aspiration
• meconium ileus
• meconium in amniotic fluid