Final answer:
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is an indicator of potential fetal distress, particularly from fetal hypoxia. The presence of meconium can increase the risk of newborn infection, including neonatal sepsis, and can lead to serious respiratory issues if aspirated by the newborn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid should alert the nurse to the possibility of fetal distress, specifically due to fetal hypoxia or oxygen deprivation. Various conditions can lead to the fetus passing meconium before birth, including maternal drug abuse, maternal hypertension, low levels of amniotic fluid, long labor, difficult birth, or placental issues. When the amniotic sac containing meconium-stained fluid ruptures, the risk of aspiration of meconium increases which can lead to complications such as labored breathing, low Apgar scores, pulmonary inflammation, or hypertension in the newborn.
Moreover, although meconium is sterile, its presence in amniotic fluid reduces the fluid's antibiotic properties, making both the newborn and the pregnant person more susceptible to bacterial infections, potentially leading to conditions such as neonatal sepsis. It's crucial for obstetricians to aspirate meconium from the infant's airways to prevent the first breath from being compromised. It is advised that an obstetrician aspirates the newborn's airways extensively as soon as the head is delivered to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome.