Meconium stained fluid: approach to the mother and the baby.

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a common problem that most pediatricians will encounter in the delivery room and normal newborn nursery. Approximately 13% of all live births are complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Like many aspects of the perinatal period, optimal care of an infant born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid involves collaboration between obstetrician and pediatrician, each with separate but important roles. As always, effective communication and advanced preparation and anticipation of potential problems form the cornerstone of this partnership. Together the health of infants may be improved.