The brown, semi-fluid material which collects in the bowels of a FETUS before birth, and which should be discharged either at the time of birth or shortly afterwards. It consists partly of BILE secreted by the liver before birth, and partly of debris from the mucous membrane of the intestines. Fetal distress due to lack of oxygen may provoke passage of meconium, a sign which may provoke midwives and obstetricians to advise rapid delivery of the baby.