Introduction: Fetal distress contributes to increased caesarean section rate.Predicting adverse outcome in early perinatal period is important in severe fetal distress. Aim of the Study: To study the risk factors for foetal distress and evaluate the incidence of meconium stained liquor, respiratory distress, morbidity and mortality in foetal distress. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study done in in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr.V.M. Government Medical College, Solapur. A total of 150 newborns delivered via Caesarean section with a diagnosis of clinical foetal distress were compared with another group of 150 newborns delivered similarly, but without clinical foetal distress. The risk factors for foetal distress were noted. The meconium quality, postnatal NICU admission rate, morbidity and mortality were looked at. Results and Observations: Majority of the patients were 2125 years in both study and control groups and majority were (53.33%) primigravida. Maximum patients in both groups (29.23%) were of 40 weeks gestational age. Incidence of post maturity (41 weeks and above) in study group was higher (25.38%) when compared to control group (7.33%). Anemia and postmaturity were the most common antenatal complications in study group. Most common indication for induction of labour in study group was postdate pregnancy. Incidence of thick meconium (52.66%) was higher in study group followed by thin meconium (40.66%). Incidence of low 1 min and 5 min Apgar score was higher in thick meconium cases. Incidence of admission to NICU (30.66%), mortality (11.33%) was higher in the study group. Conclusion: Foetal distress is associated with many antenatal risk factors necessitating LSCS. It is commonly associated with thick meconium which can lead to increased incidence of low Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes. It also increases the rate of NICU admission in first 48 hours and has increased perinatal mortality.

Keywords: Fetal Distress; Perinatal Outcome; Apgar score.