The prevention of meconium aspiration in labor using amnioinfusion.

In an effort to improve maternal and fetal outcome in patients laboring with thick meconium, 85 patients presenting with thick meconium were randomized to receive either amnioinfusion with 1000 mL normal saline initially and every 6 hours until delivery, or routine care. Meconium was discovered on initial examination during labor, after artificial rupture of membranes, through the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter, or on amniocentesis. Labor management was otherwise routine. Forceps operations and cesarean sections were for distress or failure to progress, as indicated. Patients receiving amnioinfusion had significantly fewer low 1-minute Apgar scores, less meconium below the cords, and a significantly lower incidence of operative delivery. The only three cases of meconium aspiration syndrome occurred in infants delivered of patients receiving routine management. No adverse side effects of amnioinfusion were detected. Amnioinfusion is a simple, inexpensive, and safe technique that reduces the incidence of meconium below the cords and improves obstetric outcome in patients laboring with thick meconium.