Thoughts on meconium

TrendyTina

I know meconium is often used by doctors as an excuse to induce a woman. I'm just wondering what the thoughts are about this on here and whether this is a valid concern. I know most OBs like to induce after 1 week beyond the EDD, while most advocates of natural birth support waiting 2 or more weeks.

 

I don't really have a clear question here, but if anyone could share any information on this topic I would appreciate it.

MawrtyrB

Until your water breaks, I dont' know how they'd know if there was merconium in the amniotic fluid.

The issue once you are overdue usually becomes low amniotic fluid levels or the placenta starts to break down.  

iris427

MawrtyrB:

Until your water breaks, I dont' know how they'd know if there was merconium in the amniotic fluid.

The issue once you are overdue usually becomes low amniotic fluid levels or the placenta starts to break down.  

Postdates babies are more likely to pass meconium in utero, which some doctors use as a reason to induce at 40 or 41 weeks.  It was one if the factors my first OB mentioned when she was explaining why she recommended inducing at 41 weeks vs. 42.

OP the risks of waiting until 42 weeks are low.   I don't think there is any compelling evidence that inducing at 41 weeks significantly improves outcomes.  I was induced at 41 weeks with my first and if I could go back in time, I would turn the induction down.  And FWIW my daughter did pass light meconium during pushing, which was one of the reasons I ended up with a c/s.  She was born pink and healthy with 8 and 9 Apgars.

haleymay18

Grace was born (without induction) at 39w2d  and had particulate meconium when my water broke. Meconium can happen anytime.

pinksweetpea2

My daughter was born at 43 weeks and did not pass meconium until after she was born.

hmhwedding

My midwife told me a small amount of meconium is ok. They are just worried if the water breaks in early labor and shows a large amount of meconium. She said that may indicate fetal distress.