Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

What is meconium aspiration syndrome?

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) happens when a newborn inhales meconium (the baby’s first stool) and/or amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the unborn baby). It can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery.

Symptoms of meconium aspiration syndrome

Newborn babies with MAS have trouble breathing. They may breathe too quickly, grunt when they breathe, or use extra muscles to catch their breath. Their skin may have a bluish tint due to lack of oxygen, or a greenish tint from meconium staining. Their blood pressure may also be too low.

How is meconium aspiration syndrome diagnosed?

Several signs indicate MAS. Before birth, the fetal monitor may show a slow heart rate. During delivery or at birth, meconium can be seen in the amniotic fluid and on the infant. If the baby has trouble breathing, the doctor will listen to the newborn’s chest and do a blood gas analysis (blood test to assess the baby’s breathing). With MAS, the test will often show a decreased oxygen level and increased carbon dioxide level. This means the baby needs help breathing.

Can meconium aspiration syndrome be prevented or avoided?

Following your doctor’s advice and taking good care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy can often prevent problems that lead to meconium being present at birth. Smoking during pregnancy can raise the chances of having a baby with MAS. Some additional risk factors for MAS include:

• A pregnancy that goes past 40 weeks
• Diabetes or high blood pressure in the mother
• A long or difficult labor or delivery
• Decreased oxygen to the infant while in utero
• Poor intrauterine growth

Meconium aspiration syndrome treatment

Early detection is key. A fetal monitor can detect if your baby is experiencing stress. If your doctor thinks your baby may have inhaled meconium, a special care team should be present during delivery. If after the baby is born, he’s active and crying, no treatment is necessary.

However, if the baby has trouble breathing, the doctor will quickly need to clear away as much meconium as possible to decrease the amount of meconium the baby inhales. They will suction the mouth, nose, and throat. Then they will insert a tube called a laryngoscope down the baby’s throat and into the trachea to remove any meconium there.

If your baby is not breathing or has a low heart rate, a facemask with oxygen can help inflate the baby’s lungs and help him or her breathe. Your baby may need to be monitored closely in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU). In the NICU, they may get:

• Oxygen therapy
• Antibiotics to treat infection
• Surfactant (a substance that helps the lungs expand properly)
• A radiant warmer to control his temperature
• Frequent blood tests to see if he’s getting enough oxygen

Living with meconium aspiration syndrome

Although MAS can be scary for parents, most babies will get better quickly. While rapid breathing may continue for several days, it’s rare for a baby with MAS to experiences any long-term damage. However, babies who experienced MAS may be at higher risk for an asthma-like disease called “reactive airway disease.” This can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, usually when they have a cold or other virus.

Questions for your doctor

• Will my baby need any extra care at home?
• Is there anything I should look out for that warrants a call to you?
• Is there anything I should look out for that warrants a call to 911?
• Could my baby have any permanent damage from MAS?
• Are any future babies I have at higher risk for MAS?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Meconium aspiration syndrome