Meconium-stained amniotic fluid

Meconium passage is described as a fetal stress response that reflects pre-existing fetal hypoxia. Meconium particles can mechanically compress the umbilical cord and disrupt blood flow. Meconium can provoke a local inflammatory reaction that worsens fetal wellbeing. Health authorities were advised to strengthen early detection and management of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was associated with 4.52 times higher odds of NRFHRPs than clear amniotic fluid.