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Meconium

This is the substance in the baby’s bowels during pregnancy. It is dark, sticky and tar-like.

The baby may pass some meconium during labour. This can be a sign of distress, though staining of the amniotic fluid is not necessarily a cause for concern if other signs are reassuring. If there is thick meconium in the amniotic fluid during labour, the baby may need additional monitoring and care. In the first few days after birth, babies will normally pass their first bowel movements. The meconium will be passed before the baby’s poo gradually changes to more of a bright yellow or mustard colour.