Final answer:
Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a newborn inhales meconium into the lungs, and it affects around 5-20 percent of infants who pass meconium before birth. It can cause respiratory problems and lead to complications like labored breathing and pulmonary infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a newborn inhales meconium, the first stool, into the lungs, causing respiratory problems. The fraction of meconium stained infants that will have meconium aspiration syndrome varies, but it is estimated to occur in about 5-20 percent of births where the fetus passes meconium before birth. Meconium aspiration can lead to complications such as labored breathing, alveolar collapse, and pulmonary infection.