EFFECT OF MECONIUM ON DELIVERY OF CHORIOAMNIOTIC MEMBRANES

A decrease in stress tolerance of chorioamniotic membranes when expose d to meconium has previously been demonstrated. Clinically, variations in elastic qualities of membranes can be appreciated during their rem oval following spontaneous vaginal deliveries. The purpose of this stu dy was to determine if there is a relationship between the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and difficulty in removal of chorioam niotic membranes in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. All deliveries ove r four months (n = 400) were evaluated for color of amniotic fluid and method of delivery of membranes. Overall, the CNMs used significantly more intervention to deliver the membranes if any meconium was presen t in the amniotic fluid prior to delivery (Fisher's exact test, P = .0 00004, df = 1). These results suggest that the accoucheur should be pr epared for difficulty in membrane removal in deliveries complicated by meconium-stained fluid.