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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.
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), also known as neonatal aspiration of meconium, is a medical condition affecting newborn infants. It describes the spectrum of disorders and pathophysiology of newborns born in meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and have meconium within their lungs. Therefore, MAS has a wide range of severity depending on ...
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 ...
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.
Solid stool incontinence may be called complete (or major) incontinence, and anything less as partial (or minor) incontinence (i.e. incontinence of flatus (gas), liquid stool and/or mucus). [ 2 ] In children over the age of four who have been toilet trained, a similar condition is generally termed encopresis (or soiling), which refers to the ...
[2] [6] Newborns and infants may normally have soft and frequent stools; however, any noticeable changes in stool frequency or form (i.e. watery) can indicate toddler's diarrhea. [7] Other symptoms may include chills, fever, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, and/or vomiting. [6] Undigested food and/or mucus may also be observed in stools. [8]
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.
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.