Publication:

A study on the perinatal outcome in cases of oligohydramnios

Background Amniotic fluid has an important role in the fetal growth and development. It provides the fetus, with a protective low resistance environment which is suitable for the growth and development. With normal amount of amniotic fluid index ranging from 5 to 24 cms, Amniotic fluid index of 5 cms were taken. AFI >10 cms was considered to be normal. Various outcome measures recorded were, induced Vs spontaneous labor, gestational age at delivery, nature of amniotic fluid, FHR tracings, mode of delivery, indication for cesarean section or instrumental delivery Apgar score at one minute and five minutes, birth weight, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality.

Results Normal quantity of liquor amnii is essential for normal and successful outcome of pregnancy, as it provides a safe milieu interior for the foetus in utero. Deprivation of required quantity, will adversely affect the neonatal outcome. Oligohydramnios, in itself is enough to cause such damage, by creating chronic hypoxic situation.

Conclusions The fetal morbidity and mortality increases if additional antenatal complications of   preeclampsia and post-term pregnancy are present along with oligohyrdramnios.