[Meconium fluid. Significance and management].

The authors have tried to determine the significance of meconial fluid by studying 3 groups: a first group (MF) representing the meconial fluid observed at he beginning, the second group where the meconial fluid was observed secondarily (SMF) and a third group which is the reference group (RG). The presence of meconial fluid is an ominous sign and an element of prognosis of fetal distress. Meconial fluid at the beginning may be present physiologically, but there are authentic pathological cases with a markedly decreased residual Apgar at 5 minutes. In addition, the perinatal mortality is 4 times higher. In the group with secondary meconial fluid, it is more of an obstetrical emergency. Distress occurs on a healthy fetus along with labor. The signs are occurring with abnormalities of the fetal heart rhythm which do not aggravate the prognosis. These data are confirmed with the study of the pH at the cord. The risk of meconial fluid is inhalation and its complications. The authors conclude by insisting of the need for nasopharyngeal aspirations soon as the fetal head is delivered.