DefinePK

Abstract

Introduction: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) was associated with an increased probability of fetal birth by cesarean, higher demand for resuscitation for neonates at time of delivery, augmented birth asphyxia with ischemic encephalopathy cases with compromised oxygen level in the lungs of the fetus, and meconium aspiration syndrome.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in the labor room of Ayub Teaching Hospital. A total of 113 pregnant women aged 18–45 years with singleton term pregnancies and cephalic presentation were enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were applied for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean age of participants was 41.56 ± 1.36 years. Most patients (65.5%) had parity of 3–4, and 64.6% were in the 24–30 weeks gestational age category (noting this likely needs correction per inclusion criteria). Meconium aspiration syndrome occurred in 30.1% of cases, APGAR scores below normal in 23%, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions in 23.9%, and 23% had unfavorable birth outcomes within the first week. Stratified analysis showed significant associations of fetal outcomes with maternal age, parity, and gestational age (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The presence of MSAF is linked with a notable risk of neonatal complications, including MAS and NICU admission. Early identification and appropriate intrapartum monitoring are essential to reduce adverse outcomes. However, maternal age>30, preeclampsia, and prolonged labor were not significantly associated with increased MSAF in this cohort study.