Abstract: Background: Adequate amount of amniotic fluid is essential for the normal growth of the fetus for, it cushions against all sorts of trauma and agitations. Its bacteriostatic properties prevents infection and it functions as a primary source of fetal nutrients.
In normal pregnancies, the volume of amniotic fluid increases to about one liter at 36 weeks maximum level. Amniotic fluid volume rises progressively during gestation until 36 weeks, he mean amniotic fluid volume relatively consistent in the level of 700-800ml.After 40weeks there is a progressive decline of amniotic fluid volume at a rate of 8 %per week, with amniotic fluid volume averaging about 400ml at 42 wks. The clinical picture of reduced amniotic volume is termed oligohydramnios.
Using amniotic fluid index of less than 5cm the incidence of oligohydramnios was found to be 2.3% after 34 weeks. Oligohydramnios was associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. The umbilical cord compression during labor is common with oligohydramnios which increases the risk for caesarean delivery for fetal distress and 5 minute Apgar score less than 7 (Chauhan, 1999)
The decrease of amniotic fluid volume is associated with the increased labor induction, still birth, non-reassuring fetal heart pattern, meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal death. (Casey & Coworkers 2000) [14]
This present study is undertaken to assess the perinatal outcome in Amniotic fluid index of 5 cm or less (oligohydramnios) in term pregnancies.
Aim of the study: To determine the perinatal outcome in term pregnancies with Amniotic fluid index <5 cm
Materials and methods: A prospective study on the perinatal outcome in term pregnancies with Amniotic fluid index < 5 cm & control group amniotic fluid index >5cms was carried out in Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, during the period of February 2018 to January 2019.
Conclusion
· Oligohydramnios is associated with adverse perinatal outcome.
· Oligohydramnios with reactive NST is associated with good prognosis (good Apgar, decreased NICU admission & neonatal death).
. Oligohydramnios with non-reactive NST needs careful monitoring and eventuates in early delivery. It increases the incidence of caesarean delivery for fetal distress, NICU admission, and low Apgar at 5 mins and Neonatal death.
Oligohydramnios associated with IUGR carries a poor perinatal outcome (increased neonatal death, NICU admission, increased rate of CS for fetal distress, very low birth weight) Hence they need good neonatal care.
Indexed in Index Copernicus
