“My baby has swallowed his poop. Is it serious?”
I delivered my baby yesterday. But, I'm told that he swallowed his poop while in the nursery and is currently in the NICU. The doctors say it is not a big concern but he will have to be under observation. Is everything okay?
1 Answer
The answer is - it depends. If your baby is just under observation with some antibiotic therapy, I think he is going to be just fine. His doctors are being cautious for the right reasons. Meconium aspiration ("swallowing poop"), as it is called, can sometimes cause severe lung-related problems leading to reduced oxygen levels in newborns. In severe forms, babies are generally very sick and would need ventilator support and other advanced therapies. I think your baby's doctors are being careful to ensure that no such untoward situation evolves. Feel easy. I wish you the best and congratulations on your new baby.
