Meconium aspiration syndrome without evidence of fetal distress in early labor before elective cesarean delivery

Abstract

Seventy-seven cases of meconium aspiration were documented among 14,527 deliveries. Four cases occurred in early labor and with normal fetal heart tracings. Three cases followed repeat cesarean sections at term, and one followed an elective cesarean section for a primigravid breech presentation. Aggressive airway management was used in every case, and included intrapartum pharyngeal suctioning with a DeLee catheter and intubation of the trachea with suctioning under direct vision. These cases suggest that meconium aspiration may occur before the onset of active labor and without evidence of fetal distress.