Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs due to meconium in amniotic fluid being aspirated into the lungs.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It only occurs in late term infants but not preterm
• D. It is caused by maternal infection

Answer: (A)

Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when meconium-laden amniotic fluid is aspirated into the lungs, typically around birth when the baby takes its first breath or during fetal distress in utero. The meconium can block airways and its components irritate lung tissue, impair surfactant function, and trigger inflammation. This combination leads to airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and can promote persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. So the statement is true because the mechanism relies on inhalation of meconium-stained fluid into the lungs. It is not caused by maternal infection, and while MAS is most common in term or post-term infants with fetal distress, it is not exclusive to them and can occur in other settings if meconium is aspirated.