Meconium

[milliemolliemaandie]

Does anybody have any idea whether having meconium in waters for an excessive amount of time could cause mother and baby infections?

Not getting a straight answer from anyone in hospital.

TIA

I don't know if it's a risk to the mother, but I know they do worry about it for babies because there is a (very small) risk that the baby might get the meconium in it's lungs. When my waters broke and were meconium stained we were told to get straight to the hospital (had been booked to have a home birth until then) it was almost 20 years ago though they might worry less now. He was totally fine.

They're not keen on it. The risk is as pp said.
My waters leaked and so came in the next day for induction. I was put straight onto antibiotics and hormone. A few hours after, they properly broke my waters and noticed meconium. I ended up having an EMCS. I don't know if the time they waited was shorter due to the meconium or not though.

Risks are small but do exist. I would be asking for a consultant review of my labour and a fetal blood sample as well as constant monitoring of the baby's heartbeat, especially how quickly it returns to normal after each contraction.

My dd was born 10yrs ago. They broke my waters at 3cm and there was meconium. Had a normal vaginal delivery after about 6-7hrs of labour but they whisked her off straight after birth for checks to make sure she hadn’t inhaled any. She hadn’t and was back with me in 10mins.

It can do. My experience is that babies with mec in their waters are always kept in for observation for 24 after birth to make sure there is not infection (and pooing during labour - both mother and baby - is pretty much mandatory in my family)

Thanks everyone.

I had sepsis and baby had hyperthermia we stayed in hospital over a week.

Just trying to get my head around it all.
I had mec in my waters when they broke then for 12 hours before I was taken to the delivery suite, there was nobody available to look after me sooner apparently. I had to sit and wait in the waiting room on a protective mat all this time while other patients and partners were coming and going.

Poor you. You should be able to make an appointment at the hospital for a birth debrief, if you think it will help but be prepared for not getting a completely clear answer. My first baby and I both caught infections during labour and were in for a week but there were a multitude of issues with her birth on top of the mec and they were never keen to blame any one thing. Be kind to yourself: a difficult labour can affect you in ways you don’t realise at the time. I’m glad you are both home now x

Thanks