Meconium: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Meconium.jpg| | {{SI}} | ||
== | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Meconium | |||
| image = [[File:Meconium.jpg]] | |||
| caption = Meconium passed by a newborn | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = Passage of dark green, tar-like stool | |||
| complications = [[Meconium aspiration syndrome]], [[intestinal obstruction]] | |||
| onset = [[Newborn]] period | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = Normal fetal waste product | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = Observation of stool characteristics | |||
| differential = [[Neonatal stool]] disorders | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally benign | |||
| frequency = Occurs in all newborns | |||
}} | |||
[[Meconium]] is the first stool passed by an infant, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. It is a thick, green, sticky substance that is produced in the intestines of the fetus and differs significantly from feces passed later in life. | [[Meconium]] is the first stool passed by an infant, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. It is a thick, green, sticky substance that is produced in the intestines of the fetus and differs significantly from feces passed later in life. | ||
== Composition == | == Composition == | ||
Meconium is made up of materials the fetus has ingested while in utero. These include intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo (fine, soft hair that covers the fetus's body), mucus, amniotic fluid, water, and bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Contrary to normal feces, meconium lacks any microbial constituents as the fetal intestines have not yet been colonized by bacteria. | Meconium is made up of materials the fetus has ingested while in utero. These include intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo (fine, soft hair that covers the fetus's body), mucus, amniotic fluid, water, and bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Contrary to normal feces, meconium lacks any microbial constituents as the fetal intestines have not yet been colonized by bacteria. | ||
== Appearance and Texture == | == Appearance and Texture == | ||
Meconium's color ranges from very dark olive green to black, largely due to the presence of bile. Its consistency is viscous and sticky, often compared to tar. When mixed with amniotic fluid, it may take on various shades of green, brown, or yellow. | Meconium's color ranges from very dark olive green to black, largely due to the presence of bile. Its consistency is viscous and sticky, often compared to tar. When mixed with amniotic fluid, it may take on various shades of green, brown, or yellow. | ||
== Passage == | == Passage == | ||
Typically, a newborn will pass meconium in the first few days following birth. The transition from meconium to normal stool is marked by a change in color and consistency, as the stool becomes less sticky and more yellow - a reflection of digested breast milk or formula. | Typically, a newborn will pass meconium in the first few days following birth. The transition from meconium to normal stool is marked by a change in color and consistency, as the stool becomes less sticky and more yellow - a reflection of digested breast milk or formula. | ||
== Clinical Significance == | == Clinical Significance == | ||
Meconium's presence in the amniotic fluid, a condition known as meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), can indicate fetal distress during labor and delivery. If the meconium is aspirated into the infant's lungs, it can cause [[meconium aspiration syndrome]], a severe respiratory condition. | Meconium's presence in the amniotic fluid, a condition known as meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), can indicate fetal distress during labor and delivery. If the meconium is aspirated into the infant's lungs, it can cause [[meconium aspiration syndrome]], a severe respiratory condition. | ||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
<center> | <center> | ||
| Line 24: | Line 34: | ||
Image:Meconium_Diaper.jpg|Meconium from 13-hour-old newborn. | Image:Meconium_Diaper.jpg|Meconium from 13-hour-old newborn. | ||
File:Meconium vs poo.jpg|This image compares the appearance of meconium (from 48 hours after normal delivery at term) to the appearance of the same infant's faeces after 1 week of breastfeeding. | File:Meconium vs poo.jpg|This image compares the appearance of meconium (from 48 hours after normal delivery at term) to the appearance of the same infant's faeces after 1 week of breastfeeding. | ||
</center> | </center> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 42: | ||
[[Category:Human physiology]] | [[Category:Human physiology]] | ||
{{pediatrics}} | {{pediatrics}} | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] {{stub}} | ||
Revision as of 23:20, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Meconium | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Passage of dark green, tar-like stool |
| Complications | Meconium aspiration syndrome, intestinal obstruction |
| Onset | Newborn period |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Normal fetal waste product |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Observation of stool characteristics |
| Differential diagnosis | Neonatal stool disorders |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally benign |
| Frequency | Occurs in all newborns |
| Deaths | N/A |
Meconium is the first stool passed by an infant, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. It is a thick, green, sticky substance that is produced in the intestines of the fetus and differs significantly from feces passed later in life.
Composition
Meconium is made up of materials the fetus has ingested while in utero. These include intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo (fine, soft hair that covers the fetus's body), mucus, amniotic fluid, water, and bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Contrary to normal feces, meconium lacks any microbial constituents as the fetal intestines have not yet been colonized by bacteria.
Appearance and Texture
Meconium's color ranges from very dark olive green to black, largely due to the presence of bile. Its consistency is viscous and sticky, often compared to tar. When mixed with amniotic fluid, it may take on various shades of green, brown, or yellow.
Passage
Typically, a newborn will pass meconium in the first few days following birth. The transition from meconium to normal stool is marked by a change in color and consistency, as the stool becomes less sticky and more yellow - a reflection of digested breast milk or formula.
Clinical Significance
Meconium's presence in the amniotic fluid, a condition known as meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), can indicate fetal distress during labor and delivery. If the meconium is aspirated into the infant's lungs, it can cause meconium aspiration syndrome, a severe respiratory condition.
Gallery
<gallery widths="220px" heights="160px"> Image:Meconium_Diaper.jpg|Meconium from 13-hour-old newborn. File:Meconium vs poo.jpg|This image compares the appearance of meconium (from 48 hours after normal delivery at term) to the appearance of the same infant's faeces after 1 week of breastfeeding.
References
<references/>
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Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics
