Study of outcome of meconium stained amniotic fluid in newborn

Abstract

Background: The presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a serious sign of fetal compromise, which is associated with an increase in perinatal morbidity, clear amniotic fluid on the other hand is considered reassuring. A study by Mathews and Warshaw found that in 98.4% of cases with meconium stained liquor, the neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units, these were delivered at 37 weeks of gestational age or later as it shows maturation of autonomic nervous system. MSAF occurs in 10% of pregnancies with most occurring at term or particularly post term. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of clear liquor and meconium stained liquor on time and mode of delivery and to find out neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with meconium stained amniotic fluid.