ABSTRACT
The presence of meconium at the onset of labour and its obstetric outcome was studied over a 3 month period. Out of the 1267 deliveries that occurred during this period, 100 (7.89%) had meconium staining of liquor. These were compared to the remaining 1167 patients with clear liquor. Monitoring included cardiotocography, scalp pH estimation when required and optimal care at delivery.The fetal heart rate abnormalities were more common in meconium stained patients. Thick meconium staining was associated with higher cesarean section rate, low Apgar score at one minute and more admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit.All women with meconium staining of liquor should be cardiotocographically monitored in labour and managed by optimal timely intervention in order to avoid severe asphyxia and meconium aspiration.