Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Newborns with Meconium-stained Amniotic Fluid: A Retrospective Single-centre Study

Objective: This study examines which clinical and demographic risk factors are associated with early complications in full-term infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).Method: A retrospective cohort study included 76 term newborns delivered with MSAF at University of Health Sciences Turkey, İstanbul Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, in İstanbul, between May 2023 and May 2025.Data covered maternal age, nationality, number of prenatal visits, Apgar scores, delivery method, and neonatal outcomes within 72 hours.Adequate prenatal care was defined as at least four antenatal visits, per World Health Organization standards.Maternal infections were noted based on symptoms or lab results.Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of early sepsis or referral.Results: More than half of the infants were born to non-Turkish mothers.Adequate prenatal care was reported in 62.5% of these mothers, compared to 88.9% in Turkish mothers.Sepsis occurred in 17.1% of all cases, more frequently among non-Turkish newborns.A 1-minute Apgar score below 7, maternal infection, and fewer prenatal visits were each linked to increased risk of early complications.Nationality alone was not statistically significant after adjustment.Conclusion: Among infants born with MSAF, low Apgar scores and insufficient prenatal care were the clearest indicators of early sepsis or referral.Strengthening prenatal support and education for migrant families may help reduce preventable neonatal risks.