The reasons for meconium stained liquor can be obvious or a combination of interrelated factors. It may be that the placenta is not functioning well due to the mother being unwell or the baby is not well themselves. Sometimes medical interventions can increase the chances of it occurring, especially if the baby is already at risk through other health issues. At times it can be unclear as to why it has happened and the baby is born healthy with good
Apgar scores after an uncomplicated labour and birth.
Regardless of the possible causes of meconium stained liquor, on the whole its presence is associated with an increase in the chances of the baby being unwell, or in rare cases dying through Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. The following are a few circumstances that can be associated with meconium stained liquor or an increased chance that it will occur.
Baby's and mother's health
The type of labour
Induction and augmentation
Epidurals / spinals
Breaking the waters early
Position of the mother during labour
Directed pushing
Cord involvement
Natural therapies
Special circumstances - breech birth or stillbirth
Baby and mother's health
If the baby and / or mother are unwell, this can affect the functioning of the placenta, increasing the chances of meconium stained liquor. This could be related to the baby being
small for dates or having an abnormality or the mother having
high blood pressure,
diabetes,
bleeding in late pregnancy,
cholestasis,
heart disease or
kidney disease.
The type of labour
Labour contractions temporarily reduce blood flow to the baby in the uterus. As the uterus relaxes the blood flow increases. This is a normal, natural process that healthy babies with a healthy placenta are not concerned with. In fact it will actually stimulate the baby (usually shown with an increase in their heart rate).