Question

My sister’s child was born with meconium on their body. I don’t know what this is about, and I would like to know what to do if a baby is born with meconium on their body?

Answer

Newborns usually start excreting sticky, dark green meconium. Meconium is composed of desquamated intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, ingested amniotic fluid, fetal hair, bilirubin, and other hemoglobin breakdown products. Meconium is typically excreted within two to three days after birth. Some children have a slower excretion of meconium, which can exacerbate jaundice. If meconium has not been excreted within 24 hours after birth, consider whether it may be caused by gastrointestinal abnormalities. After the meconium is excreted, the baby’s stool gradually turns yellow.