What is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome or MAS?
MAS is an illness of term and post term infants. Meconium is the first stool passed by newborns. Sometimes the baby passes this stool before it is born. The meconium then mixes with the amniotic fluid and the baby breathes it into the lungs. Sometimes this causes the lungs to become clogged which makes it difficult for the baby to breathe. What you may see * Tacypnea: Breathing too fast * Nasal flaring: The sides of the nose suck in and flare out with each breath * The skin, fingernails, toenails or umbilical cord are stained a yellow-green color * The skin is often very dry and peeling because the baby is born past the due date Treatment Treatment will be different for each baby. The choice of treatment will depend on how sick the baby is. You might see: • X-rays of the chest. • Blood tests (Arterial Blood Gas or ABG) to monitor how well the lungs are working • Oxygen might be given. • Some baby’s might need help breathing and a tube will be placed in the baby’s mouth and down the thr
