-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Your Baby’s First Poo
Meconium is the name given to your baby’s very first bowel motion.
It is thick, sticky and usually dark green or black in colour.
Most babies pass meconium after they are born, usually within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Occasionally, however, a baby passes meconium while still inside the uterus before birth.
When this happens, the amniotic fluid becomes stained green or brown.
This is known as meconium-stained liquor.
There are several reasons why a baby may pass meconium before birth.
Sometimes it is simply because the baby’s digestive system has matured, particularly if you are overdue.
Sometimes it can happen if your baby experiences stress during labour.
In many cases, however, there is no obvious reason at all.
Finding meconium does not automatically mean that your baby is unwell.
If your waters break and the fluid is green, brown or contains meconium, it is important to let your maternity unit know.
Your healthcare team will usually recommend that you come into hospital so your baby’s heart rate can be monitored more closely throughout labour.
The colour and thickness of the meconium help guide our management.
Thin Meconium
The fluid is lightly stained.
Many babies remain completely well and labour continues as normal, with some additional monitoring.
Thick Meconium
The fluid appears thicker, darker or resembles pea soup.
This may indicate that your baby needs closer observation during labour and after birth.
Your obstetric and neonatal teams may also be informed so they are available if needed.
Once your baby is born, your midwife will quickly assess how they are adapting.
If your baby is crying, breathing well and has good muscle tone, they will usually remain with you for skin-to-skin contact just like any other baby.
If your baby needs a little extra support with breathing, they may be taken to the resuscitaire, which is located in the delivery room, where the neonatal team can assess them.
This does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem.
Many babies simply need a little help clearing their airway or adjusting to life outside the womb before being returned to their parents.
One possible complication is meconium aspiration syndrome, which occurs when a baby breathes meconium-stained fluid into their lungs around the time of birth.
Fortunately, this is uncommon.
Most babies born through meconium-stained liquor do not develop this condition.
Your maternity team carefully monitors your baby’s wellbeing during labour and immediately after birth to identify any babies who may need extra support.
Hearing the words “there’s meconium” can be worrying, but try not to panic.
It doesn’t automatically mean your baby is in distress.
It simply tells us that we’d like to keep a closer eye on your baby during labour and after birth.
Most babies born through meconium-stained waters are healthy and need no more than routine care.
Throughout labour, your midwife is constantly assessing both you and your baby.
Every decision we make is based on keeping birth as safe as possible while supporting a positive birth experience.
Whether your waters are clear, there is meconium present, or your baby has the umbilical cord around their neck, your birth team is trained to recognise these situations, manage them appropriately and explain what is happening every step of the way.
If you are looking for calm expertise and genuine continuity of care, let’s talk.
