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Relationship between meconium staining and amniotic fluid volume in term pregnancies
Sean C Blackwell1, Honor M Wolfe, Mark E Redman
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. sblackwel@med.wayne.edu
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|February 15, 2002
Summary
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MEC-AF) in term pregnancies is not linked to amniotic fluid volume (AFV). However, MEC-AF independently increases the risk of cesarean delivery for fetal distress.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MEC-AF) is a common finding in term pregnancies.
- The relationship between MEC-AF and amniotic fluid volume (AFV) and its impact on delivery outcomes requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between MEC-AF and AFV in term pregnancies.
- To determine the impact of MEC-AF and AFV on the risk of cesarean delivery for fetal indications.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 1,655 term singleton gestations.
- Sonographic assessment of amniotic fluid index (AFI) categorized AFV.
- MEC-AF presence and cesarean delivery rates for fetal indications were analyzed.
- Logistic regression identified determinants of MEC-AF and cesarean delivery.
Main Results:
- The frequency of MEC-AF was not related to AFV categories, ranging from 16.7% in oligohydramnios to 24.4% in increased AFV.
- Increasing gestational age at delivery was the only factor associated with MEC-AF.
- MEC-AF and decreasing neonatal ponderal index were independently associated with cesarean delivery for fetal distress.
Conclusions:
- MEC-AF is not associated with AFV in term pregnancies.
- MEC-AF presence independently increases the risk for cesarean delivery due to fetal distress, irrespective of AFV or neonatal ponderal index.