Meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Current controversies.

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is commonly found in obstetrics: it occurs in 9-20% of deliveries. Meconium passage into the amniotic fluid may be an antepartum or intrapartum event. Meconium aspiration may occur antepartum or intrapartum or at the infant's first breath. The prognosis in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome appears to be related to antepartum hypoxemic damage to the lungs. This paper covers the pathophysiology of meconium aspiration and meconium aspiration syndrome, treatment options to prevent meconium aspiration and practical information on assessing fetal heart rate tracings. The necessity of tracheal suctioning in all neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid is controversial.