Meconium aspiration is most commonly associated with which type of infants?

• A. Full-term or post-term infants
• B. Preterm infants
• C. Infants with Down syndrome
• D. Infants with maternal diabetes

Answer: (A)

Meconium aspiration is most strongly linked to late gestation because as pregnancy extends to term and post-term, placental function can decline and fetal hypoxia becomes more likely. This distress prompts the fetus to pass meconium into the amniotic fluid. When the newborn takes its first breaths, especially if the infant is born in the presence of meconium-stained fluid, meconium can be inhaled into the airways, leading to airway obstruction and chemical pneumonitis from meconium.

While meconium aspiration can occur in various settings, the risk is highest in full-term or post-term infants due to the higher likelihood of meconium passage in utero. Infants born preterm, or those with Down syndrome, or with maternal diabetes do not have as strong an association with meconium aspiration.