FREQUENCY OF FETAL OUTCOME AMONG MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH FULL TERM PREGNANCY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of adverse fetal outcomes, including low APGAR score, low birth weight, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission, among patients presenting with Meconium Stained Liquor (MSL) in full term pregnancy.

METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 133 women with singleton, term pregnancies (37–42 weeks) and Meconium Stained Liquor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DHQ Hospital Mirpur AJK during May 2025 to September 2025. Cases with gestational diabetes, twin pregnancy, or IUGR were excluded. Fetal outcomes measured were Low APGAR Score (<7 at 5 minutes), Low Birth Weight (<2500 gm), and NICU Admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and the Chi-square test was used for stratification by maternal age and MSL type (Thin/Thick), with P<0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Out of 133 neonates, the overall frequency of adverse outcomes was: Low APGAR Score in 36.8% (n=49), NICU Admission in 24.8% (n=33), and Low Birth Weight in 19.5% (n=26). Stratification by MSL type showed a statistically significant association with all adverse outcomes, with Thick MSL carrying a substantially higher risk. Specifically, Low APGAR Score was found in 57.8% of the Thick MSL group compared to 26.1% in the Thin MSL group (P<0.001). NICU Admission was also significantly higher in the Thick MSL group (40.0% vs 17.0%; P=0.003). Stratification by maternal age (>30 vs ≤30 years) showed no statistically significant difference in fetal outcomes (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Adverse fetal outcomes are frequent in term pregnancies complicated by Meconium Stained Liquor, with Thick MSL being a significant predictor of neonatal morbidity (low APGAR score, NICU admission, and low birth weight). This highlights the crucial need for enhanced fetal monitoring and immediate neonatal resuscitation readiness particularly when thick meconium is observed, to reduce neonatal morbidity in this high-risk population.