Meconium Aspiration

Meconium Aspiration Diagnosis & Tests

Before birth, the fetal monitor may show a slow heart rate (bradycardia). At birth, there is meconium in the amniotic fluid (dark staining or streaking). The infant may have a low Apgar score.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE INFANT:

• Direct visualization of the vocal cords for meconium staining with a laryngoscope in the delivery room is the most accurate evaluation for possible meconium aspiration.
• The diagnosis may be aided by listening to the infant's chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) and hearing abnormal breath sounds, especially coarse, crackly sounds.

Tests performed on the infant may include:

• blood gas analysis showing low blood pH (acidosis, an acidic condition of the blood), decreased pO2 and increased pC02
• a chest X-ray showing patchy or streaky areas on lungs