Maryville, TN
A 24-year-old female asked:
What are reasons babies pass meconium in utero? is being postdates the only reason?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Killiananswered
General Practice 30 years experience
Meconium: Meconium is the same thing as stool. It is that the baby has passed stool or had a bowel movement. There are numerous reasons for this and almost all of them are not in any way a sign of a problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Varies: Pre-birth passage of meconium is generally viewed as a nonspecific sign of fetal stress. Post maturity can lead to poor placental blood exchange.A placenta that is marginal prior to labor may trigger this when contractions start, or of if moms blood pressure gets low.A knot in the cord or cord wrap around the neck may also set this off. Close monitoring may indicate the need for a c-section.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 11, 2013
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