Meconium Aspiration Syndrome — More Than Intrapartum Meconium

Meconium, the fecal material that accumulates in the fetal colon throughout gestation, is a term derived from the Greek mekoni, meaning poppy juice or opium. Beginning with Aristotle's observation of the association between meconium staining of the amniotic fluid and a sleepy fetal state1 or neonatal depression, obstetricians have been concerned about fetal well-being in the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The passage of meconium normally occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. However, the passage of fetal meconium, resulting in meconium-stained amniotic fluid, occurs in approximately 12 percent of all deliveries. The meconium aspiration syndrome, associated . . .