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I
can't believe we needed a study to show this, what was supposed to happen
to the babies waste product.
Or am
I just too simplistic?
Megan
American Journal of Obstets & Gynae. Vol 188. jan 2003 pgs
153-156
Defecation in utero: A physiologic fetal function
C. L�pez Ram�n y Cajal MDa and R. Ocampo Mart�nez MDb
From the Unit of Prenatal Diagnosis, Service of Obstetrics and
Gynecology,a and the Service of Interne Medicine, Xeral
Hospital.b
Received 30 November 2001; revised 18
April 2002. Available online 7 February 2003.
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of
in utero defecation as a normal function in the human fetus. Study Design: The
anuses of 240 fetuses were studied sonographically between weeks 15 and 41 of
gestation. Fetal defecation was defined as the expulsion of rectal contents
through the anus into the amniotic fluid. The diameter and area of the anus
were measured sonographically at times of maximum anal aperture. Results: One
or more defecations were documented in all fetuses. The frequency of
defecations was highest between week 28 and 34 of gestation. Conclusion: This
study confirms that defecation in utero is a normal function and supports the
view that the evacuation of rectal contents into the amniotic fluid is no
departure from normal fetal physiologic behavior. (Am J Obstet Gynecol
2003;188:153-6.)
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