What is meconium? It is the first stool a baby passes while still in utero. In many cases, it causes no harm, but there is a one to four or five percent chance that it will. Even though this is a small percentage, like other Texas parents, you probably think even that small chance is reason enough to act.
Your obstetrician should take steps to ensure that your baby does not suffer from meconium aspiration syndrome, which occurs when your baby inhales his or her first stool into the lungs. This can cause serious breathing difficulties. Without adequate oxygen, your baby could suffer from MAS, cerebral palsy, or seizures. The attorneys at Davis & Davis represent Houston families whose newborns suffered preventable birth injuries, including those connected to a physician’s failure to properly respond to meconium in the amniotic fluid.
What Happens When Your Baby Suffers from Meconium Aspiration?
Your infant’s lungs may not be able to fully expand, which can lead to difficulty breathing. The fetus can breathe in meconium prior to birth, and if the baby is in some distress, it could reach the lungs before delivery. After birth, it can enter the lungs when your baby instinctively takes his or her first breaths.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the leading theories on what causes MAS involve anoxia, meaning the baby receives no oxygen at all, or hypoxia, meaning the baby does not receive enough oxygen. Either condition can cause the baby to gasp for air and breathe in the meconium before or during delivery.
What Causes a Baby to Pass Meconium in Utero?
Research indicates that the following circumstances can lead a baby to pass his or her first stool before birth:
- If your baby fails to receive enough oxygen while in utero, he or she could pass meconium.
- The most common reason is that the digestive tract has matured and it is simply time.
- If your baby’s head or the umbilical cord is compressed, he or she could pass the first stool prior to birth.
There is no way to tell before your water breaks whether the baby has passed meconium. If your water breaks and evidence of meconium is present, your doctor should diligently monitor your baby for signs of fetal distress. After birth, several clinical signs should indicate to your doctor that your baby has inhaled meconium, and a failure to act promptly could lead to serious harm.
If the evidence indicates that your baby suffered from MAS and your doctor failed to take the proper steps to respond, you may want to consider taking legal action. Contact Davis & Davis to speak with our team about your potential claim. You can reach us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
What is meconium aspiration syndrome?
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a newborn breathing condition that occurs when a baby inhales meconium into the lungs before, during, or shortly after delivery. It can cause respiratory distress ranging from mild difficulty breathing to life-threatening lung complications, and in severe cases may deprive the infant’s brain of oxygen.
What are doctors required to do when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid?
When meconium is detected in the amniotic fluid, physicians are expected to monitor the fetus closely for signs of distress, be prepared to clear the airway at delivery, and consult with a neonatologist when needed. Failing to respond appropriately to meconium-stained fluid may constitute a deviation from the accepted standard of care.
Can meconium aspiration syndrome cause permanent harm to my child?
Yes, depending on the severity. Oxygen deprivation tied to MAS can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, or developmental delays. Children who experience severe MAS may require long-term medical care and specialized support throughout their development.
How do I know if my baby’s MAS was caused by medical negligence?
Medical negligence may be a factor if your obstetrician failed to monitor for fetal distress, did not respond appropriately when meconium was present, or delayed treatment after birth. A review of the delivery records and fetal monitoring strips by an attorney and independent medical expert can help determine whether the standard of care was met.
How long do I have to file a birth injury claim in Texas?
The general statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Texas is two years from the date of the incident. However, claims involving minor children may benefit from tolling provisions that extend that deadline. Because strict timelines apply and evidence must be preserved early, speaking with a birth injury attorney as soon as possible is advisable.
