Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Pregnant Woman Must Know About This

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when your newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into his lungs, causing breathing difficulties and potential complications after birth.

Overview:

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid during delivery, causing respiratory distress. This disorder can be life-threatening, leading to respiratory failure, pulmonary air leaks, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. The approach to preventing MAS has evolved over time, with obstetricians and pediatricians working together to provide the best care possible infants at risk¹. 

What is Meconium aspiration syndrome?

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a condition that occurs when an infant inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into their lungs before, during, or after birth. However, meconium is the baby's first stool.

MAS can cause breathing difficulties and potential complications shortly after delivery.

How common is MAS?

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is relatively uncommon, occurring in approximately 5-10% of births where meconium-stained amniotic fluid is present.

Causes:

What causes MAS?

MAS happens when your baby breathes in meconium, which is the first stool, mixed with amniotic fluid before, during, or after birth. This can happen when your baby is under strain in the womb, causing him to discharge meconium into the amniotic fluid. Factors like overdue pregnancy or issues during labor can raise this risk.

What are the factors influencing the incidence of MAS?

Meconium aspiration syndrome is more commonly observed in pregnancies that go beyond term or involve maternal or fetal complications. However, the incidence varies depending on factors such as  

• Population studied
• Obstetric practices
• The presence of risk factors such as
• Post-term pregnancy
• Maternal hypertension
• Fetal distress

Who affects the most?

Meconium aspiration is more commonly observed in pregnancies that go beyond term or involve maternal or fetal complications.

While MAS is considered relatively rare, it remains an important concern in neonatal care due to its potential for significant respiratory distress and complications in affected newborns. Early diagnosis and proper management are necessary for improving results in infants with MAS.

Editor's pick

Meconium Illius causes, treatment

Symptoms:

What are the symptoms of MAS?

Your newborn will show the following symptoms if he has meconium aspiration syndrome

• Weak muscle tone
• Trouble breathing
• Grunting noise
• Meconium staining on his skin or in amniotic fluid

Immediately contact with your healthcare provider or pediatrician if your newborn shows these symptoms.

How meconium aspiration syndrome is diagnosed?

The diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is based on clinical presentation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Your healthcare provider will typically consider the following factors:

1. Clinical presentation: 

Your healthcare provider will examine the symptoms of your infant just after birth such as

• Cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration)
• Respiratory distress
• Labored breathing
• Poor muscle tone
• Grunting sound

2. Physical examination: 

Your healthcare providers evaluate your newborn;

• Vital signs
• Breathing pattern
• Overall appearance
• Signs of meconium staining on the skin, amniotic fluid, or umbilical cord

3. Diagnostic tests: 

Diagnostic tests can help your provider to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of MAS. These may include:

1. Meconium aspiration: 

Meconium staining of the amniotic fluid or evidence of meconium in the airways during suctioning may support the diagnosis of MAS.

2. Pulse oximetry: 

Pulse oximetry determines oxygen saturation levels in the blood, helping in the evaluation of respiratory status.

3. Chest X-ray: 

A chest X-ray can reveal characteristic findings such as hyperinflation, patchy infiltrates, and areas of atelectasis (lung collapse).

4. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis: 

ABG analysis provides information about oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance, helping assess respiratory function.

5. Other tests: 

In some cases, additional tests such as blood tests, echocardiography (heart ultrasound), or other imaging studies may be performed to evaluate for complications or assess overall health.

Early diagnosis and intercession are keys to improving outcomes in your affected newborn.

Editor's picks

Precordial catch syndrome

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

What is meconium-stained?                                                               

The meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicates that the baby passed stool before birth, which can happen when the baby is under stress or experiencing distress in the womb. When the baby breathes in this mixture, it can block the airways, leading to air trapping, inflammation, and impaired gas exchange in the lungs.

Treatment:

How meconium aspiration syndrome is treated?

Meconium aspiration syndrome is treated by providing oxygen to help with breathing and clearing your baby's airways of meconium and other fluids. In severe cases, the baby might need a breathing machine to help them breathe better. Healthcare provider may also give antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, and they closely monitor your baby's condition until it improves.

What are the risk factors?

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) risk factors include various maternal, fetal, and obstetric conditions.

Maternal factors like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking can contribute to an increased risk of MAS. Conditions affecting the placenta, such as placental abruption or insufficiency, may also play a role.

Pregnancies that progress beyond their due date (post-term pregnancies) are connected with a higher chance of MAS due to a raised possibility of fetal distress. During labor and delivery, factors like extended labor, umbilical cord compression, or a lack of oxygen supply to the fetus can timely the release of meconium into the amniotic fluid.

Furthermore, certain maternal infections, such as chorioamnionitis (infection of the fetal membranes), can trigger fetal distress and lead to meconium passage. These risk factors collectively contribute to the likelihood of MAS occurrence, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring during pregnancy and labor to identify and manage potential complications promptly.

What are the long-term effects of MAS?

While most babies with MAS recover fully with appropriate treatment, severe cases may result in complications such as chronic lung disease, neurological problems, or developmental delays. However, with timely intervention and supportive care, the prognosis for MAS is generally favorable.