children s health issues
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Affected newborns have respiratory distress, in which they breathe rapidly, draw in their lower chest wall while breathing in, and grunt during breathing out. Their skin and/or lips may be bluish (a condition called Cyanosis ) if the blood levels of oxygen are reduced. In newborns of color, the skin may change to colors such as yellow-gray, gray, or white. These changes may be more easily seen in the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth, nose, and eyelids. Affected newborns may also develop Low Blood Pressure . The newborn's umbilical cord, nail beds, or skin may be stained by meconium, giving them a greenish yellow color. 