Study of the Relationship between Meconium Passage and Newborns Birth Weight and its related factors in Pregnant Women

Background: Previous studies have shown that meconium staining of the amniotic fluid may affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between birth weight and meconium passage and its related factors in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This matched case control study was conducted on a total of 200 newborns (100 as cases and 100 as controls) in Imam Reza and Valiasr hospitals in Qom city- Iran in 2014 and 2015. A questionnaire was used to collect required data including the passage or non-passage of meconium, newborn's birth weight, gestational age, maternal age, newborn gender, maternal weight, comorbidities, type of delivery, and history of abortion or stillbirth. Data were analyzed by SPSS using independent t- test, Fisher exact test, and Chi-square test. Results: Based on the results of this study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of birth weight (P=0.001). So, the birth weight was higher in the cases than in the controls. There was also a significant differences between the two groups in terms of the relationship between newborns gender and meconium passage (P=0.04). In addition, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of gestational age (P=0.035). Moreover, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of birth height (P=0.003). Conclusion: The newborns birth weight associated meconium passage. Therefore, meconium passage must be monitored and controlled through examination and screening during the period of pregnancy.