What is meconium?

Meconium is the first stool that a newborn passes after birth. It is a thick, tarry substance that is typically dark green or black in color and is composed of materials that a fetus has ingested while in the womb, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, and dead skin cells. The passage of meconium usually occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, and its presence and characteristics can provide important information about the infant's health and well-being.

Options that describe meconium in other contexts, such as first food intake, infant's first cry, or first urine passed, do not accurately represent what meconium is. Understanding the significance of meconium and its role in newborn care is crucial for healthcare professionals working with infants.