DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2019.v07i02.009

Pages: 87-92

Background: Meconium staining of the amniotic fluid has long been regarded as a sign of foetal distress. 12-20% deliveries are complicated by meconium staining of the liquor. Presence of meconium increases the risk of operative deliveries, admission to the neonatal ICU, and 5-minute Apgar score of ≤7. With improvement in antenatal and intranatal monitoring in today’s practice, neonatal outcome has improved in deliveries complicated by meconium stained liquor. This study was aimed at determining factors associated with meconium staining amniotic fluid and perinatal outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of Ob-GY, S.M.S. Medical College, and Jaipur from January 2018 to June 2018. The study included 200 women with meconium stained amniotic fluid in labour with gestational age >37 completed weeks. Data were collected and analysed to find associated factors for meconium and perinatal outcome. Results: Incidence of meconium was 11.5%. Non-reassuring foetal heart rate pattern was observed in 34.5% of the cases. Women who had grade 3 meconium stained liquor were 6 times more likely to have caesarean section compared to the women with grade 1 meconium stained liquor Low fifth minute Apgar score, admission to NICU and operative deliveries were significantly more with grade 3 MSAF. Conclusions: Meconium stained amniotic fluid was associated with higher rate of cesarean delivery with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore identification of pregnant woman at risk of passage of meconium during labour would allow intensive foetal heart monitoring and early intervention so as to reduce adverse neonatal outcome.