Study on risk factors of meconium stained amniotic fluid and comparison of pregnancy outcome in clear and meconium stained amniotic fluid in a tertiary hospital, Kolkata, India

Keywords: Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) Pregnancy outcome Clear amniotic fluid (CAF) Original Article Objectives: To identify risk factors for meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and comparison of pregnancy outcome in meconium stained vs. clear amniotic fluid. Methods: The study was conducted at labor-room of IPGMER Hospital, Kolkata for consecutive 500 singleton deliveries at term with cephalic presentation. Detection of MSAF during delivery and follow-up of mother and baby during hospital stay was done. Results: Incidence of MSAF was 30.6% of which thick meconium was 59.4%. Anemia,<3antenatal check up, parity, dysfunctional or prolonged labor, use of Oxytocin or prostaglandin, urinary tract infection and antepartum hemorrhage had no association with MSAF. Fetal distress, cord problems and maternal hypertension came out as a risk factors of MSAF. Thick meconium was significantly associated with lower Apgar score, prolonged NICU admission, neonatal sepsis and death. Mothers having MSAF showed higher rates of instrumental deliveries/cesarean section. Conclusions: Prevention of fetal distress and maternal hypertension can reduce MSAF to ultimately minimize cesarean /instrumental delivery and adverse fetal outcome.