Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
GI tract develops from endoderm and mesoderm cells
around 14 days after conception
GI villi appear around the 7th week of gestation
Peristalsis and motility begins around the 8th week of gestation
Meconium first appears in the intestines sometime between 10-12 weeks' gestation
At this same time, active absorption of glucose and amino acids begins
By the 16th week of gestation meconium has slowly
made its way to the colon
Elevated fetal intestinal enzyme levels in the amniotic fluid are noted between the 14th and 22nd weeks' gestation
Anal sphincter tonicity develops about 20th-22nd weeks' gestation
At this time, a decrease in fetal intestinal enzyme levels is noted in the amniotic fluid
Consequently, some researches believe -
Presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is a normal physiologic occurrence...
Reflects physiologically produced fecal material that is moved along the GI tract, ultimately making its way into the amniotic fluid...
Is meconium in the amniotic fluid then a case of impaired clearance rather than one of increased
passage?
Controversy, Questions, Debate continues.....
Nonetheless, meconium's presence can have a direct
impact on the outcome for the fetus and newborn
