Study of Various Factors for Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid (Msaf) and Comparison of Fetal Outcomes in Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid and Clear Amniotic Fluid Contributors

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To identify various factors for meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and comparison of pregnancy outcome in meconium stained vs. clear amniotic fluid. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a teaching tertiary care hospital. Out of 850 deliveries, 100 cases of MSAF were studied for 17 months. Detection of MSAF during delivery and follow-up of mother and baby during hospital stay was done. Results: Overall incidence of meconium staining of AF during labor was in the present study 11.6%. The incidence of meconium staining was much greater in postdated pregnancy and oxytocin-induced labor. Birth asphyxia was more common when the AF was meconium stained and severity was directly proportional to the degree of thickness of MSAF. Abnormal heart rate was much more frequent in the study group and when thick meconium was associated with bradycardia fetal outcome was worst. Conclusion: Prevention of fetal distress and maternal hypertension can reduce MSAF to ultimately minimize cesarean /instrumental delivery and adverse fetal outcome. This study confirmed that our clinical impression– “meconium staining of amniotic fluid adversely influence the fetal outcome”