Final answer:
True, meconium in the amniotic fluid can cause respiratory distress or an airway obstruction in the newborn. This condition is related to fetal stress and inhalation of meconium-stained fluid during delivery, leading to complications like alveolar collapse and infection. It is crucial to manage this condition immediately at birth to prevent serious outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that meconium in the amniotic fluid may result in respiratory distress or an airway obstruction in the newborn is true. When a fetus is under stress, particularly from conditions like fetal hypoxia or maternal factors such as drug abuse, it can trigger the release of meconium before birth. If the meconium-stained amniotic fluid is inhaled by the baby during delivery, it can obstruct the airways, which may lead to complications such as alveolar collapse, interference with surfactant function, and pulmonary inflammation or hypertension. These conditions are serious and can result in respiratory distress or even result in neonatal sepsis, an infection in the newborn.
An obstetrician may notice this condition during childbirth when the amniotic fluid is not clear but stained greenish or yellowish. It is critical for the health care team to aspirate the airways of the infant thoroughly to prevent the first breath from drawing meconium into the lungs, which could result in serious complications. Therefore, managing and preventing meconium aspiration syndrome is a critical aspect of perinatal care.