The incidence of meconium-aspiration in Hawaii.

Meconium in the amniotic fluid was found in 2,633 obstetrical patients and meconium-aspiration occurred in 77 cases out of 14,527 deliveries. Although the incidence of meconium in the amniotic fluid increased significantly at 39 weeks, a corresponding significant increase in meconium-aspiration did not occur until 41 weeks gestation. All deaths associated with meconium, as well as 84% of the cases of severe meconium-aspiration syndrome, occurred in infants born of patients with oligohydramnios and a gestational age of 41 weeks or greater.