Meconium appearing in liquor which had clear earlier in labor is perhaps the most absolute sign of fetal distress. Meconium term derived from the Greek word “Meconium arion” meaning substance that resembles poppy juice or opium which is greenish in color. It is the first intestinal discharge from the newborn. Mechanism of passage meconium ma be – (a.) Physiological due to spontaneous gastrointestinal tract motility (b.) Due to direct hypoxic bowel stimulation. (c.) Due to sporadic and repetitive cord compression causing vagal stimulation .Factors influencing meconium staining are Gestational age, Gravid and Parity, Postdatism, Oligohdramnios, Intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR), Gestational hypertension, Preclampsia. Grading of MSAF by subjective assessment . Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs due to aspiration of meconium during delivery with the initial braths of the baby. Factors associated with MAS: neurological complications, Birth asphyxia etc. This concluds prediction of the meconium staining of amniotic fluid can be attempted which would be of invaluable help in reducing the perinatal morbidity and mortality Presence of thick meconium should be viewed seriously as it may pose a potential danger for baby.

Keywords: Meconium; Hypoxia; Gestational Age; Oligohydramnos; Pneumonia