Why is suctioning the oropharynx of a baby born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid before delivery of the shoulders no longer the standard of care?
A multicentre randomized controlled trial (Vain et al. Lancet 2004 Aug 14-20; 364(9434):597-602) showed no benefit from suctioning of the oropharynx of a baby born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid prior to delivery of the shoulders. It is potentially a waste of resources to pursue practices that have been shown to be ineffective. In addition, providers should be aware of the potential complications of pharyngeal suctioning. Regarding the practice of oropharyngeal suctioning for the infant born through meconium stained fluid by Caesarian section, there is no literature to address this question. However, the findings of Vain et al (2004) (32% of babies in this study were born by caesarian section) can be applied and the potential complications remain.
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