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Meconium is the earliest stool of a mammalian infant resulting from defecation. Unlike later feces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water.
The word meconium is derived from the Greek word mēkōnion meaning juice from the opium poppy as the sedative effects it had on the foetus were observed by Aristotle. [ 3 ] Meconium is a sticky dark-green substance which contains gastrointestinal secretions, amniotic fluid , bile acids , bile , blood, mucus , cholesterol , pancreatic ...
Colostrum also has a mild laxative effect, encouraging the passing of a baby's first stool, which is called meconium. [9] This clears excess bilirubin , a waste-product of dead red blood cells which is produced in large quantities at birth due to blood volume reduction [ citation needed ] from the infant's body, and which is often responsible ...
Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) dacry(o)-of or pertaining to tears: Greek δάκρυ, tear dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis-dactyl(o)-of or pertaining to a finger, toe Greek δάκτυλος (dáktulos), finger, toe dactylology, polydactyly: de-from, down, or away from Latin de-dehydrate, demonetize, demotion dent-
Babies defecate a unique substance called meconium prior to eating external foods. There are a number of medical conditions associated with defecation, such as diarrhea and constipation, some of which can be serious. The feces expelled can carry diseases, most often through the contamination of food. E. coli is a particular concern.
Breastfed infants are at a lower risk for acquiring iron-deficiency anemia. Infants that only consume cow's milk become deficient in iron and are 50% more likely to lose blood in their stool. If the infant is allergic to cow's milk, it causes inflammation of the digestive system, resulting in chronic blood loss and decreased absorption of iron.
Breastfed infants have somewhat lower blood pressure later in life, but it is unclear how much practical benefit this provides. [185] [186] A 1998 study suggested that breastfed babies have a better chance of good dental health than formula-fed infants because of the developmental effects of breastfeeding on the oral cavity and airway.
The water and stool may take some time to fully evacuate, especially with patients with obstructed defecation. People with reduced muscular strength of the anal sphincter may encounter problems with later leakage of the water mixed with stool, which may bring similar, socially devastating problems as seen with fecal incontinence.