Meconium

Your baby's first bowel movement is called meconium. It is black and has a tar-like appearance. Some baby's pass meconium while still in the uterus causing meconium-stained amniotic fluid. An uncommon but serious complication can occur when a fetus breathes in a mixture of amniotic fluid and meconium during the pregnancy or delivery resulting in a condition called Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Read the articles linked below for more information on meconium complicating birth as well as the treatment protocol for babies with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

• Kids Health by Nemours - All about Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

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• Merck Manual Consumer Version - Meconium Aspiration Syndrome