Publication:

A comparative study on maternal and foetal outcome between low and normal amniotic fluid index in term pregnancies

Background Amniotic fluid index (AFI) approximates amniotic fluid volume. It measures the overall well-being of the foetus. objective of the study was to determine Maternal and Foetal outcome in oligohydramnios pregnancies and compare them with cases of normal amniotic fluid volume full term pregnancies.

Methods This hospital based prospective comparative study included 300 pregnant women with full term pregnancies. Distributed equally into two groups, cases (AFI ≤5 cm) and controls (AFI: 6 to 24 cm). AFI measured using Phelan's four quadrant method. Detailed history, a clinical assessment and obstetric examination done for participants. Labour onset, amniotic fluid type, reason for LSCS, mode of delivery, birth weight, APGAR score, NICU admission, and delivery outcome were the outcome measures studied.

Results Mean age for case group was 24.36±4.23 years and 25.82±3.45 years for control group. For case group 36% and 30% of control group were induced. In case group liquor in 26% was significantly meconium soiled, compared to 7.3% of control group. Case group had 38% Caesarean procedures due to foetal distress. For case group 38% births were vaginal, while 62% in control group. In case group 30% of newborns were under 2.5 kilogram, compared to 16% in control group. In case group 17.33% participants had APGAR scores <7 compared to 2% in the control group. Case group lost 3.33% of infants, whereas the control group lost 1 (0.70%).

Conclusions Oligohydramnios is a high-risk pregnancy and that patients with this condition require appropriate antepartum care, intensive foetal monitoring, and intrapartum care.