In the most routine, problem-free births, a baby’s meconium (excretory matter) stays safely stored in the baby’s intestines until after labor and delivery are completed. However, if the baby experiences significant distress during labor and delivery, the baby may pass its stool into its amniotic fluid sac and ingest it into the lungs.
The meconium can block the baby’s airways, causing decreased oxygen supply to the brain, and is often accompanied by pneumonia. The medical team in the labor and delivery room must immediately clear the baby’s airway and mitigate irreversible brain injury. Although meconium aspiration is a reasonably common birth injury, many medical treatment providers fail to treat this emergency condition efficiently and thoroughly.
If you or a loved one gave birth to a fetus adversely impacted by meconium aspiration, call our team to discuss your legal rights.