[Monitoring of labour and delivery in the presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid by pulse oximetry].

OBJECTIVES

Evidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid during labor suggests implementation of close monitoring of fetal well-being.

DESIGN

Our purpose was to compare fetal oxygen saturation between cases with normal and meconium stained amniotic fluid.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fetal oxygen saturation was continuously recorded with use of Nellcor N-400 fetal pulse oximeter in 30 control cases of term labour of normal, and 30 cases of meconium stained amniotic fluid. Distribution of fetal oxygen saturation values during 5 periods of labour was analyzed and compared between the examined groups, and presented in forms of Tables, together with neonatal umbilical artery pH values, Apgar score, birth weight and percentage of caesarian sections performed.

RESULTS

No significant differences in fetal oxygen saturation, neonatal umbilical artery pH, birth weight and caesarian sections rate were observed between analyzed groups. Newborns 1-th minute Apgar score (mean value) and base excess was lower in meconium group compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate, that fetal oxygen saturation trends to decrease during labour in fetuses in both groups.