What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?

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Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium (the baby’s first stool) and amniotic fluid into the lungs. About 5-10% of babies born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid develop MAS, which can lead to respiratory complications. 

Meconium is typically passed after birth, but in some cases, especially if the baby experiences stress during labor, it may be released into the amniotic fluid before delivery.

How a Midwife Diagnoses MAS

During and immediately after delivery, the some or all of they following symptoms might prompt a midwife to suspect MAS:

  • A slow heart rate before birth

  • Presence of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid when the water breaks

  • Respiratory Symptoms after birth, such as rapid breathing, grunting, nasal flaring, or cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin)

  • Low Apgar Scores

  • Unusual Lung Sounds indicating fluid in the lungs

Immediate Steps a Midwife May Take

If she suspects MAS, your midwife will take the following steps to stabilize the baby:

  1. Clear the Airways: Suctioning the baby’s nose and mouth immediately after the head is delivered can help clear meconium before the first breath.

  2. Stimulation: Gently stimulating the baby to cry can encourage effective breathing.

  3. Positioning: The baby may be positioned to maximize airflow and reduce strain on the lungs.

If symptoms persist or worsen, the midwife may provide supplemental oxygen or initiate resuscitation until further help is available.

In many cases, MAS is not immediately obvious and symptoms may not show up for hours after birth. In this situation, your midwife may recommend transferring to a hospital as a precautionary measure. Hospital treatments usually include oxygen, suction, and antibiotics to treat infection. They may extend to using a warmer to maintain body temperature, tapping on the chest to loosen secretions, or using a ventilator in more extreme cases.

Meconium aspiration syndrome rarely leads to long term complications and babies usually heal quickly within a few days.