Meconium Stained Umbilical Cord

This cord is also about 7 hours old at the time of the photo, but the normal light yellow color is not visible, even though the cord is still plump. This cord was stained by the presence of meconium in utero, which gives it a dark green color. When an infant shows signs of meconium staining, it is evidence that meconium has been present in the amniotic fluid for some time. In addition to the umbilical cord, meconium staining is also frequently seen on the nails.

photo by Janelle Aby, MD