Prognostic value of change in amniotic fluid color during labor.

Objective: Evidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AF) during labor suggests implementation of close monitoring of fetal well-being. We have investigated whether the presence of meconium in the AF on admission for labor is as important a predictor of neonatal outcome as a change in AF color during labor.

Methods: AF characteristics on admission for labor at term (37-42 weeks) and their changes during labor were recorded in all singleton pregnancies during an 8-year period (1992-1999).