Introduction
Sometimes, unborn babies pass stools in the womb and it goes into the amniotic fluid. The baby’s first stool is called meconium. It can cause various complications if the baby ingests meconium in the womb. According to a study, 12 to 20 percent of babies poop in the womb. When the baby is past the due date, the chances increase by 40 percent. Pooping in the womb is rare in premature babies.
Why Do Babies Poop in the Womb?
During development, babies absorb nutrients and expel wastes, but not in the form of feces. When in the womb, babies practice drinking by drinking the amniotic fluid (the liquid that surrounds the unborn baby during pregnancy) that is present around them. It is then processed by the baby’s body, filtered, and excreted as urine in the womb, but they do not poop until birth. The placenta (a bag-like organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby) plays a major role in providing nutrients and removing waste products. Throughout the pregnancy, the placenta collects waste products. Therefore, waste products are not excreted in the womb, and the placenta is delivered after the baby.
A baby’s early poop is called meconium. Meconium is black or dark green, and it is thick and sticky. It consists of amniotic fluid, mucus, water, bile, intestinal cells, and lanugo (fine, soft hair that covers the body and limbs of the baby). Meconium begins to form in the baby’s intestines from the 12th week of gestation, and it accumulates throughout the pregnancy. It is usually expelled during the first day of life, within 12 to 48 hours of birth. But, in some cases, babies expel meconium in the womb, and it gets collected in the amniotic fluid. It is usually present in 12 to 20 percent of babies born at term and in 40 percent of babies born two or more weeks after their due date.
If a baby passes meconium in the womb, it may indicate the following:
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The baby is past the due date for two or more weeks.
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A lack of oxygen.
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Problems with the amniotic fluid.
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A poorly functioning placenta.
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Preeclampsia (a condition in which blood pressure and protein levels in the urine are high after 20 weeks of pregnancy).
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Cocaine use during pregnancy.
What Happens if the Baby Poops Before Birth?
If a baby poops in the womb, it can result in meconium aspiration syndrome if the baby breathes in the meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The meconium particles in the amniotic fluid can block the baby’s airways and disrupt the oxygen supply. If meconium aspiration syndrome is left untreated, it can result in pneumonia (an infection that causes the air sacs to swell, which may be filled with fluid). Meconium aspiration syndrome is common in babies born between 37 and 42 weeks, but not in premature babies. Though babies urinate in the womb, it is not associated with complications.
Meconium aspiration syndrome can be due to fetal distress (a condition in which the baby lacks oxygen supply). Complications in the placenta or umbilical cord may disrupt the oxygen and blood supply, and cause fetal distress. Complications in the mother, such as preeclampsia, stressful labor, peripartum infection, and cocaine consumption during pregnancy, can increase the risk of passing meconium before birth.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Meconium aspiration syndrome can cause the following symptoms in babies:
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Inflammation (swelling) of the lungs.
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Obstruction in the airways.
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Disturbances in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
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Problems in the lining of the lungs.
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An increase in the lung’s arterial pressure.
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Bluish discoloration of skin in the newborn.
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Non-responsiveness at birth.
How Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Diagnosed?
A fetal heart rate monitor is a device that measures the heart rate and heart rhythm of the baby. The fetal monitor shows a slow heart rate in the presence of meconium aspiration syndrome in the womb.
After birth, meconium aspiration can be diagnosed with the help of a laryngoscope. It helps in determining the meconium staining on vocal cords. In addition, abnormal breath sounds, such as coarse crackles, are heard through a stethoscope. If meconium aspiration is present, a blood gas analysis shows a decrease in blood acidity and oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide. An X-ray of the chest shows the presence of patchy or streaky areas on the lungs.
How Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Treated?
If the baby poops in the womb, treatment is not required if there is no aspiration and if the baby appears healthy. If there is meconium aspiration, the baby’s mouth is suctioned as soon as the head is visible during delivery. Further treatment is essential if there is fetal distress. The newborn may be placed in the intensive care unit if required. Other management procedures include:
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Administering antibiotics to treat an infection.
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Breathing machines to support breathing.
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A warmer to maintain the body temperature.
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Tapping the chest to loosen the secretions.
What to Expect if the Babies Poop in the Womb?
Meconium is the baby's first poop. Some babies pass meconium in the womb before birth and may swallow or inhale the meconium. It does not cause problems if the baby does not inhale it. Swallowing meconium is not harmful, as it mixes with the amniotic fluid and does not cause any issues. However, inhaling it can cause infection, breathing difficulties, respiratory distress, and even death in rare cases. However, meconium aspiration is managed immediately by suctioning the baby’s nose, mouth, and throat. In severe cases, deep suctioning is required to remove the meconium from the windpipe. Further, an oxygen mask may be placed on the baby’s face to help them breathe. Also, meconium aspiration syndrome is manageable, and most babies recover quickly and do not have any side effects.
Conclusion
The first stool passed by the baby is called meconium. Some babies pass stool before birth in the womb. It is sometimes normal, and in some cases, it may be due to fetal distress. However, it is diagnosed and treated successfully. Inhaling the meconium is known as meconium aspiration syndrome. Though it poses risks and complications, babies recover quickly and do not present long-term side effects if proper treatment is provided.
