Meconium is the term that pregnant women would come across during pregnancy and also after the birth of the child. It is a normal thing to happen. However, it could be also dangerous at times. Special care is needed to be taken to avoid any dangerous situation.

Babies when are developing into the uterus, they tend to ingest amniotic fluid. The babies excrete this fluid everyday that passes through the kidneys and urination. Meconium is a tool that is first tool that the baby builds up with the material that is gained during the pregnancy stage. This material is expelled only after the birth of the baby. However, sometimes babies pass on this tool, Meconium, when they are still inside the utero. This could be dangerous at times depending on the time, how close it is to delivery time.

Meconium is greenish black in appearance. It is not a problem if the baby passes on. Meconium would just come out of the baby body on its own within few days of birth. If this does not happen there could be danger for the baby. Thus, consulting doctor would be right thing to do. Meconium could cause a great danger if it passes through uterus. Sometimes if the baby gets too stressed this Meconium may pass on into the amniotic fluid. This Meconium mixes with amniotic fluid and could also reach the lungs of the baby causing harm to the baby.

One cannot know if the Meconium is already passed on by the baby or no until the baby is delivered. When the amniotic sac breaks, the color of the fluid tells the story. A normal color of this sac would be a clear one. However one with Meconium could be a bit yellowish or greenish. The yellow color of the fluid means Meconium is been passed for a quite long time. The green color indicates recent passage of Meconium which could be very much dangerous for the baby. During labor, Meconium could be noticed also delivery is about to happen. The practitioner would be ready with DeLee suction that is used before the baby takes his first breath after the birth and enters this world. The Meconium needs to be sucked out before the lungs expand or else there are chances for it to enter the respiratory system also.

If the baby is distressed for something like umbilical cord then the baby may grasp in utero and thus Meconium could be caused. The lungs of the baby do not expand before the birth thus it could be very dangerous for the baby. Meconium when enters the lungs it can cause a chemical pneumonia. Antibiotics could be used to treat the infection that is caused. Meconium cannot be prevented from passing on before the birth of the child. Thus, the pregnant woman need not worry about it.