Publication:

A clinical study evaluating maternal and perinatal outcomes in patients with decreased amniotic fluid in term pregnancy

Background Oligohydramnios is the most frequent third trimester complication resulting in a greater number of caesarean sections. This study was carried out to determine the role of oligohydramnios (AFI 24 cm was excluded. Maternal and fetal outcome were assessed.

Results The incidence of oligohydramnios (AFI<5 cm) was 4.4%. Induction of labour was 50% in AFI <5 cm group, 57.1% in borderline AFI and 13.9% in normal AFI group. In AFI <5 cm group, 75% had LSCS, in AFI5-8 cm group, 71.42% had LSCS. Most common indication of LSCS in AFI <5 cm and AFI 5-8 cm was fetal distress. APGAR score <7 at 1, 5 mins was 50% in AFI <5 cm and AF 5-8 cm group as against 8.9% in Normal group. Babies weighing less than 2.5kg were 50% in AFI <5cm group, 42% in borderline group and 15.1% in normal AFI group.

Conclusions AFI determination helps to identify foetuses at risk of poor perinatal outcome. It is a valuable screening test to predict fetal distress in labor that may need caesarean section.