Amniotic fluid and meconium aspiration syndrome

Aspiration of amniotic fluid and meconium syndrome (Aspiration of amniotic fluid and meconium syndrome) accounts for 0.3% to 2.0% of live births, and is more common in term and postpartum infants. It is mainly due to the inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid during the birth of the fetus, causing symptoms such as suffocation and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it develops into respiratory failure or death. Medical history often includes fetal distress, prolonged labor, placental insufficiency, and dystocia. Amniotic fluid stained with meconium is often a sign of fetal hypoxia, but term or expired babies can have a small amount of meconium excreted in the amniotic fluid.