Green fetal waters-what do they mean?

Amniotic fluid is about 99% composed of water. It is essential for the proper development of the child. It protects against infections, as well as possible injuries or pressure on the umbilical cord and hypoxia. In addition, it provides the child with essential nutrients. The development of the baby’s lungs and digestive tract is also possible thanks to fetal water. What are the causes of green amniotic fluid?

Green fetal waters- causes

Green fetal water is caused by meconium, which fills the baby’s intestines during pregnancy. The composition of meconium consists of amniotic fluid, bile and mucus. The older the pregnancy, the higher the risk of green fetal waters. This is due to, among other things. from the fact of the maturity of the child’s digestive system and peristaltic movements of the intestines.

Most often meconium is passed on the 1st day after birth. However, it happens that the baby excretes it while still in the uterine cavity. Why does this happen? This is most often caused by hypoxia of the baby. It can also be the result of compression of the umbilical cord in cases of thrombocephaly, for example. The same is true in the case of uterine and placental insufficiency, which also promotes hypoxia and thus the occurrence of green fetal waters. In labor, the baby presses on the vagus nerve during head descent, and this consequently leads to meconium expulsion. Factors that increase the risk of green fetal waters also include, among others: prolapse of the umbilical cord, pregnancy cholestasis, premature separation of the placenta or inflammation of the membranes.

Green fetal waters- complications

Complications of green amniotic fluid affect both the baby and the mother. Associated with it are the presence of perinatal hypoxia, birth asphyxia or meconium aspiration syndrome. In some cases, the child’s development may be delayed or infantile cerebral palsy may occur. Among complications in the mother, the most common are amniotic fluid embolism, wound infection or intrapartum chorioamnionitis and placenta.

However, this does not mean that the presence of green fetal waters is always a cause for concern. If there are no signs of hypoxia in the baby during the KTG examination, and the baby’s umbilical cord blood drawn shows no acid imbalance, there is a good chance that the green amniotic fluid will not cause any complications. However, it is extremely important to always go to the hospital immediately if the green fetal waters drain.

Green fetal waters-meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome is one of the most dangerous possible complications of green fetal waters. This is because its most serious consequence is the death of the child. Symptoms appearing in the newborn shortly after birth include. rapid breathing, cyanosis and also the presence of characteristic crackles in the lungs. After the child’s chest X-ray, the so-called “chest X-ray” is present. image of a “snowstorm.” In addition, bronchial obstruction may occur, and thus a bacterial infection in the child. Most often, the treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome takes place in the neonatal intensive care unit and is based on the administration of antibiotics and mucosal decongestion of the baby’s airways. In some situations it is necessary to administer surfactant.  

Bibliography:

Obstetrics and gynecology volume 1, G.H. Bręborowicz 2020