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Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Meconium aspiration is not always preventable. The following steps may help in some situations:

If at all possible, a baby should be delivered before the pregnancy reaches 42 weeks.

Babies at high risk for MAS should be monitored closely after birth. This includes postmature babies, and those who were in fetal distress during labor.

If a woman's water breaks at home, she should tell her healthcare provider the color of the fluid.

When green-tinged amniotic fluid is reported or seen, labor should be monitored closely.

At birth, the healthcare provider should suction out as much meconium as possible from the mouth, nose, and airways.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Up to 20% of the babies with meconium aspiration syndrome die from respiratory problems. Other possible complications include the following:

atelectasis, which is a collapsed lung

chronic lung problems

permanent brain damage

pneumonia

seizures

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