Meconium aspiration syndrome: importance of the monitoring of labor.

Abstract

The monitoring of labor was the most significant factor in the reduction of meconium aspiration syndrome. The presence of more severe radiologic changes in those babies who had tracheal suction and a lower arterial pH supports the view that aspiration occurs in some babies before delivery. The number of babies delivered postterm suggests that avoidance of postmaturity is a further preventive factor in meconium aspiration syndrome.