Why do babies poop during labor?

In some cases, the baby passes meconium while still inside the uterus. This can happen when babies are "under stress" due to a decrease in blood and oxygen supply. This is often due to problems with the placenta or the umbilical cord.

Once the baby passes the meconium into the surrounding amniotic fluid, they may breathe it into the lungs. This may happen:

* While the baby is still in the uterus
* During delivery
* Immediately after birth

The meconium can also block the infant's airways right after birth. It can cause breathing problems due to swelling (inflammation) in the baby's lungs after birth.