Living with Meconium aspiration syndrome
A condition in which a newborn breathes a mix of meconium (first stool) and amniotic fluid into the lungs around birth.
Understanding Meconium aspiration syndrome
This happens around the time of delivery. It can cause lung swelling (inflammation) and breathing problems after birth. It is seen in newborns and infants.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from baby to baby. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Breathing difficulty
- Signs of distress in the baby before birth
- Abnormal heart rate changes
- Birth after the due date (post-term pregnancy)
- Delivery by C-section
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It happens when a newborn breathes a mix of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery. GARD lists no gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: mas; mas - meconium aspiration syndrome; meconium aspiration; neonatal aspiration of meconium
Patient organizations
- Children's Interstitial Lung Disease FoundationMeconium aspiration syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Meconium aspiration syndrome.
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