A mother with meconium-stained amniotic fluid should be assessed for which potential complication?

When a mother presents with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, one of the most critical concerns is the possibility of fetal distress and perinatal asphyxia. Meconium-stained fluid indicates that the fetus has passed meconium while still in utero, which can occur in response to various stressors such as hypoxia or fetal distress. If the meconium is aspirated into the lungs during delivery, it can lead to meconium aspiration syndrome, causing respiratory problems in the newborn, which may manifest as a decrease in oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and overall distress.

The assessment of fetal well-being is essential in this scenario, as the presence of meconium can complicate the delivery process, potentially leading to utero-placental insufficiency. Continuous fetal monitoring becomes vital for identifying signs of distress and determining if interventions, such as a cesarean delivery, are necessary to mitigate the risk of asphyxia.

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is less commonly associated with complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or placental abruption compared to fetal distress. Considering these factors, the emphasis on monitoring for fetal distress and the risk of perinatal asphyxia is particularly pertinent in