Meconium in the amniotic fluid indicates potential what?

• A. Maternal infection
• B. No risk to baby
• C. Could cause breathing complications
• D. Macrosomia

Answer: (C)

Meconium in the amniotic fluid signals fetal distress and raises concern for meconium aspiration syndrome. Meconium is the newborn’s first stool, and if it’s released into the amniotic fluid before birth, the baby can inhale it during the first breaths after delivery. This can cause airway obstruction and chemical irritation of the lungs, leading to respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and sometimes pneumonia. So, it points to potential breathing complications for the newborn, rather than indicating no risk. It isn’t specifically about maternal infection or macrosomia; those are separate issues.