The significance of meconium staining of the liquor amnii during labour.

Labour, labour outcome and fetal outcome were compared in 200 patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and in 200 matched controls with clear liquor amnii. All patients were subjected to a standardized form of management. The caesarean section rate was higher in the meconium group because of a higher incidence of cephalopelvic disproportion and fetal distress. In distinguishing between thick and thin meconium, no differences in labour or fetal outcome were found. The finding of meconium in the latent phase of labour seemed to be more ominous than during the active phase of labour.