The child swallowed amniotic fluid: consequences for the newborn

Amniotic fluid, which surrounds developing foetuses during pregnancy, aids in their protection and nourishment. A baby frequently swallows some of this fluid prior to birth. Although this may sound alarming, this is typically a typical stage of growth.

On the other hand, health issues may arise if a baby swallows excessive amniotic fluid or inhales it into their lungs. In order to guarantee that the newborn’s breathing and general health are appropriately monitored, these circumstances frequently call for medical attention.

Any concerns can be reduced by being aware of the potential outcomes and the medical professionals’ approach to these cases. This post will discuss what happens when a baby swallows amniotic fluid and what the newborn should expect in terms of recovery and care.

Defining the terms

When they say that the child "swallowed water", this is not entirely true from a medical point of view. The fact is that absolutely all children swallow water and get it into the stomach, intestines and bladder during the period of intrauterine development. This is a normal process. And what brings a baby from the delivery room to intensive care is aspiration of amniotic fluid or inhalation of water. The lungs of the baby during its intrauterine stay are compressed, and breathing is carried out only through the bloodstream – the child receives oxygen from the mother"s blood. The lungs straighten out after birth. And the baby"s first cry is a reaction to the first breath. Sometimes the biomechanism thought out to the smallest detail by nature itself fails, and the first breath starts earlier, before the baby is born.

When aspiration is interrupted, gas exchange is compromised and the opening process becomes complicated. Since fecal particles can obstruct the bronchi, aspirating water containing original feces meconium particles is thought to be the most dangerous type of aspiration in this situation.

Amniotic fluid aids in lung development, so when a newborn swallows it during delivery, it’s usually a normal process that doesn’t harm them. On the other hand, it may occasionally result in breathing problems or problems with fluid accumulation in the lungs. While medical attention may be necessary in these situations, most babies recover completely with the right care.

What is the danger and what are the consequences?

If a child in the womb, during childbirth or before it began inhaled clean and transparent waters, which, in fact, are sterile, nothing terrible should happen. After birth, his respiratory tract is sanitized, and if there is independent breathing after birth, there is no particular danger. Only sometimes inhalation of clean waters can cause non-microbial inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, but this scenario is more likely only in premature and weakened children. Full-term children, as a rule, do not encounter such a problem. If aspiration occurred with green meconium waters, this means that the child most likely experienced intrauterine suffering, oxygen starvation, which led to premature bowel movement, since normally this happens after birth. If the child has swallowed such waters, then eating disorders, problems with appetite, profuse regurgitation are possible. This problem is easy to cope with under the guidance of experienced doctors.

If such water entered the lungs during meconium aspiration, the prognosis is considerably worse. Asphyxia, the baby’s death, postpartum distress syndrome, and lung and bronchial tissue inflammation can result from this. These kids require both additional therapy and resuscitation care.

Causes of aspiration

• Post-term pregnancy — birth occurred after 42 weeks of pregnancy, and often babies are born with signs of hypoxia and aspiration of meconium fluid.
• Congenital pathologies of the fetus — genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, developmental defects.
• Stressful external influence on the fetus — this can be both hypoxia and umbilical cord entanglement, as well as severe stress, in each of these cases there is a possibility that intestinal peristalsis will increase, and the external anal sphincter will weaken.
• Difficult and complicated labor — with fast and rapid labor, as well as with protracted labor, the likelihood of aspiration of the baby with amniotic fluid increases. Sometimes aspiration also occurs during a cesarean section.

Although skilled obstetricians who support women during childbirth are well-versed in preventing fetal aspiration, in actual practice, every circumstance is unique, so anything can happen.

After two days, if the child does not exhibit any signs of inflammation, breathing on his own, eating disorder, or central nervous system disorders, he is deemed healthy and is moved to the mother’s ward. All children who have "swallowed water" are admitted to the intensive care unit.

How is the treatment carried out?

When a baby is diagnosed with aspiration of water, his airways are cleaned, and water is removed from his mouth and nose during labor, right after the fetal head is born, but before the baby is delivered whole. Following delivery, the stomach is cleansed and any leftover water is extracted using a tube that passes through the trachea. Should the infant exhibit difficulty or lack of independent breathing, they are hooked up to an artificial lung ventilation system.

Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent secondary inflammation in the event that aspiration occurred with waters contaminated with meconium. As soon as medical professionals determine that the infant is ready to consume breast milk, it’s critical to breastfeed him more frequently. This will reduce stress and aid in his immunity’s quicker recovery.

Children exhibiting hypoxia along with other abnormalities in the nervous system, brain, or internal organs require additional care from a pediatrician, neurologist, or other specialists.

Can doctors not notice the pathology?

Indeed, this is a real possibility, and the fact that it happens does not necessarily mean that medical specialists are not highly qualified. Aspiration may go undetected if the baby breathed in a small amount of water, his breathing is unhampered, the waters were clear during childbirth, and the baby let out a loud cry upon delivery.

Keeping an eye on a newborn’s health during their first month of life is crucial. If aspiration has taken place, these are the times when its symptoms might manifest. A child that has experienced aspiration syndrome is more agitated, has poor appetite, and frequently burps. The development of a dry cough and any unusual noises made during inhalation and exhalation are concerning indicators.

You should let the pediatrician who is monitoring the child know if this occurs. Early intervention can stop complications from developing.

Amniotic fluid swallowing by a newborn is typically a normal part of the birthing process. The majority of babies have no trouble eliminating the fluid from their systems.

On the other hand, ingesting an excessive amount of amniotic fluid may occasionally result in infection or respiratory issues. After delivery, it’s critical for medical professionals to keep a close eye out for any indications of distress in newborns.

Most babies recover completely and don’t have any long-term effects when they receive timely medical attention. If parents have any concerns about their child’s health, they should stay informed and speak with their pediatrician.

Video on the topic

16. ASPIRATION SYNDROME IN NEWBORNS

What to do if a child has swallowed water?

Meconium aspiration syndrome. Lung lavage with surfactant.