Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

The presence of meconium in a mother's amniotic fluid is key to diagnosing meconium aspiration. If meconium aspiration is suspected, your doctor may examine your baby's vocal cords for meconium staining through a procedure called a laryngoscope. The doctor also may listen to the baby's chest with a stethoscope to check for sounds of abnormal breathing. An X-ray of the baby's chest also may help to diagnose the condition.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007