Evaluating the Effect of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid on Fetomaternal Outcomes
Meconium-stained liquor (MSL), occurring in 10–20% of deliveries, is a clinical indicator of fetal distress and is linked with increased maternal and neonatal complications. Its presence predisposes to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), neonatal morbidity, and maternal morbidities such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and infections. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months at a tertiary care hospital, including 90 pregnant women divided into two groups: MSL group (n=45) and clear liquor group (n=45). Singleton term pregnancies in active labor were included, while multiple pregnancies, preterm labor, congenital anomalies, and maternal comorbidities were excluded. Maternal and neonatal outcomes, including mode of delivery, Apgar scores, NICU admissions, MAS incidence, and maternal complications, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and t-tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Women with MSL had significantly higher cesarean delivery rates (44.5% vs. 22.2%, p=0.02). Neonates in the MSL group showed increased risk of low Apgar scores at 5 minutes (13.3% vs. 4.4%, p=0.03), NICU admissions (22.2% vs. 8.9%, p=0.04), and MAS (11.1% vs. 0%, p=0.02). Thick meconium was associated with worse outcomes, including higher cesarean rates (60% vs. 25%, p=0.01) and increased MAS incidence (16% vs. 5%, p=0.04). Maternal complications such as postpartum hemorrhage (8.9% vs. 2.2%, p=0.04) and infections (6.7% vs. 2.2%, p=0.03) were also more frequent in the MSL group. Conclusion: MSL is significantly associated with adverse fetomaternal outcomes, particularly when meconium is thick. Pregnancies complicated by MSL require close intrapartum monitoring, timely operative intervention, and vigilant neonatal care to reduce morbidity and mortality.