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Meconium aspiration syndrome is a serious condition in which a newborn breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery. This can cause breathing difficulties due to swelling (inflammation) in the baby’s lungs after birth. Treatment may include suctioning the newborn’s mouth as soon as the head emerges during delivery, deep suctioning of the windpipe, antibiotics to treat infection, oxygen to keep blood levels normal, and radiant heat to maintain body temperature. In severe cases, the baby may need assistance breathing (ventilator).[4887]
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