European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Fetal passage of meconium cause MSAF (Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid)  which complicates about 7%-20% of all pregnancies worldwide, the incidence being higher in blacks and South Asian ethnicity. Rarely   meconium passage occur before 34 weeks of gestation and then incidence increase beyond 37 weeks of gestation. As the gestational age increases towards post term incidence of cesarean section also increases with reported frequencies at 37, 40 and >42weeks being 3%, 13% and 18% respectively. The risk factors for meconium stained amniotic fluid are consists of both maternal and fetal. The maternal factors are maternal chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, hypertension, gestational Diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, eclampsia, post term pregnancy. The Fetal factors consists of oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, and poor biophysical profile.