Meconium Staining Admit to Labor and Delivery Unit
This patient needs to be transferred and admitted to Labor and Delivery. The patient is contracting regularly and is uncomfortable and is multiparous which means the likelihood of a more rapid labor this time is present. A spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) must be determined. If she is assessed and the fluid is tested positive for amniotic fluid, the stated color description of the fluid she gave would indicate a condition known as Meconium staining. This condition occurs when the fetus has its first bowel movement while still in the amniotic sac prior to birth probably due to stress in utero. Once the membranes have ruptured it is ideal that the fetus be delivered in a 24-hour period, if possible, to reduce the risk of infection from prolonged rupture of membranes. Special precautions/intervention must be taken to prevent aspiration of the meconium fluid as the infant is being born, and immediately after the birth of the baby.