meconium etymology

Etymology

The word "meconium" is derived from the Greek word "mekōnion," meaning "poppy juice." This name was given because the substance resembles the thick, dark fluid that oozes from the seed pods of poppies.

Meaning

Meconium is the first stool produced by a newborn baby. It is a thick, sticky, and often dark green or black substance. Meconium is composed of various substances that have been ingested and digested by the baby while in the womb, including amniotic fluid, mucus, cells, and bile.

Origin

Meconium is produced by the baby's intestines during the third trimester of pregnancy. The fetus swallows amniotic fluid and other substances, which are partially digested and stored in the intestines. When the baby is born, the first stools passed are meconium.

Meconium is typically passed within the first 24 hours after birth. The color and consistency of meconium can vary depending on factors such as the baby's maturity, the length of labor, and the baby's health. In most cases, meconium is a sign of a healthy digestive system. However, if meconium is not passed within the first 24 hours, or if it is particularly thick or dark, it may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires medical attention.

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