If i decide to do a home birth, how do i know if my baby is at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome?

Know the risks: Home delivery is not recommended by many physicians because of increased risk to both mother and baby. If home delivery is chosen, the expectant mother and delivery attendant can reduce the chance of a bad outcome by understanding risk factors. For meconium aspiration syndrome, advanced maternal age, post-dates gestation, small for gestational age, and signs of fetal distress increase the risk.

May not know: You can sometimes pick up signs of stress that may lead to meconium on fetal heart testing. But there are definitely times when you find meconium at the time of delivery and you were not suspecting it.

U won't always know: Home deliveries always cary risks and you can never eliminate all of them. It may be safer to look for a hospital or birthing center that offers a "natural childbirth" option. Many centers can create a home-like environment but still provide immediate access to advanced services such as an operating room, anesthesia, neonatologists, etc if needed.