Meconium-stained fluid
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid occurs when a baby passes meconium before or during labour, turning the usually clear fluid greenish or yellowish. This happens in around 10 to 15 percent of births and is more common in pregnancies that go past 40 weeks. Meconium in the fluid can be a sign of foetal stress. The main concern is meconium aspiration syndrome, where the baby inhales the fluid into the lungs at birth, causing breathing difficulties. The care team will assess the colour and consistency of the fluid and closely monitor the baby during labour and immediately after delivery.
What This Means for You
Understanding Meconium-stained fluid is an important part of your labor/birth journey. In your baby's first year, you will hear this term from your paediatrician and in parenting communities. Knowing what it means helps you respond quickly and confidently.
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Singapore hospitals including KKH have neonatology teams present at births with thick meconium-stained fluid to assess the baby's airways right away. Do not panic, but do ask your doctor to explain what they see and what steps they are taking.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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