International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Methods: A prospective study was conducted of all ANC’S admitted in labor room in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam. All the admitted term patients underwent ultrasound examination to assess the liquor. Amount of liquor was calculated using four quadrant method where deepest pockets in each quadrant was measured and their sum gives the AFI. Out of 1680 patients 100 antenatal women at term had AFI of less than 8cms and were included in the study.

Results: In our study 58% of women were aged between 20-29 years, 30% were >30 years and only 12% were less than 20 years. Number of Primigravidas and multigravidas were almost equal each being 54% and 46% respectively. Majority of the cases were between 37 to 40 weeks of gestation constituting 82% and 18% were between 40 to 42 weeks. Out of 100 antenatal women, Non-reassuring NST was seen in 36% of cases, 45% had prolonged labour, intrauterine growth restriction was found in 10%, malpresentations were seen in 4%, fetal anomalies in 2% and 3% had postpartum hemorrhage. Borderline AFI was seen in 64% and 36% had severe oligohydramnios. Clear liquor was demonstrated in 72% of cases, thin meconium-stained liquor was seen in 16% and 6% had thick meconium-stained liquor. Fetal distress was seen in 15%, CPD in 5%, 4% of malpresentations, 3% had failed induction and deep transverse arrest occurred in 1%.

Conclusion: Oligohydramnios is associated with high rate of pregnancy complications and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. AFI assessed ante partum, and intrapartum would help to identify women who need increased ante partum surveillance for pregnancy complications. Women with oligohydramnios usually have lower birth weight babies but can expect a safe and good outcome with proper fetal surveillance and timely intervention.