Pediatrics

Meconium

definition

Meconium is colloquially referred to as Kindspech.

The meconium is excreted from the intestines of the unborn or newborn child.

It can be excreted both intrauterine and after birth.

Amniotic fluid containing mekonium suggests that the child is stressed at a certain point in pregnancy. Since the child is nourished via the umbilical cord during pregnancy, the meconium is not actually a bowel movement. The meconium consists of swallowed amniotic fluid, which is not excreted via the kidneys, from epithelial cells of the intestine and bile.

The meconium should be gone 48 hours after birth.

Read more on the topic: Defecation in the baby

function

The meconium excretes toxic substances that are broken down by the liver, as well as bile. In the meconium, residues of drugs that were consumed during pregnancy can be detected.

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Meconium ileus

An ileus is an obstruction in the bowel. In the case of an intestinal obstruction, the intestinal passage is prevented.

There is a build-up of stool and food. Symptoms are vomiting, severe abdominal pain and stool retention.

If an intestinal obstruction is not treated, it will lead to fatal peritonitis.

A meconium ileus is an obstruction of the bowel caused by the meconium. Adhesion leads to a disturbed intestinal passage.

Read more on the topic: Meconium ileus

Meconium aspiration

If the amniotic fluid contains mekonium, there is a risk of meconium aspiration during the birth of the child.

Aspiration is the unwanted inhalation of body fluids or foreign bodies.

Since the meconium is colonized with intestinal germs such as E. coli and enterococci, there is a risk of pneumonia for the newborn when breathing the meconium. Under certain circumstances this can lead to blood poisoning.