[Excrement of the meconium and the intra-partum cardiotocogram].

Of 2233 parturients, 170 cases with evidence of meconium during delivery were examined. We tried to establish the correlation between the appearance of meconium and the occurance of contraction induced FHR-decelerations in continuous intra partum monitoring. In addition we purposed to determine, whether the appearing of meconium during labor can be used as a clinical prognosite sign for fetal outcome. Our data support the assumption that the passage of meconium during any stage of labor only represents a sign of potential fetal distress showing the intra partum records pathology FHF-patterns. The appearance of meconium alone -- diagnosed at the time of the entrance of parturients or in an advanced stage of labor -- demands supplemented diagnostic methods for a better interpreting of an actual or compensated fetal distress.