Title: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies with Borderline Oligohydramnios versus Uncomplicated Normal Amniotic Fluid Index

Authors: Dr Swetha Lekkala, Dr Vuba.Ramarao, Dr Sandhya Bonela, Dr Ragamalika Devi

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i1.152

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Borderline Oligohydramnios is defined as AFI of 5-8 to centimeters. Various methods like nonstress test (NST), acoustic stimulation, Doppler velocimetry are helpful in the assessment of fetal well being and identifying those pregnancies at risk of adverse perinatal outcome. This study is taken up to know the adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women with borderline oligohydramnios and to evaluate the value of amniotic fluid in predicting the subsequent fetal distress and cesarean delivery.

Methods: Analysis of outcome in pregnancy of 60 cases with borderline oligohydramnios in the 3rd trimester compared with 60 controls with no oligohydramnios who are matched for variables like age, parity, gestational age, and any pregnancy complication. 

Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the occurrence of non-reactive and reactive NST pattern. There is an increased incidence of labor induction in women with AFI 5-8cm and then women with AFI >8cm. There is an increased rate of cesarean section in pregnant women with borderline oligohydramnios. There is an increased occurrence of low birth weight (≤2.5kg) in women with oligohydramnios.

Conclusion: An AFI of 5-8cm detected in the third trimester is an indicator of poor perinatal outcome. In the presence of borderline oligohydramnios, the occurrence of non-reactive NST, abnormal FHR tracings during labor, meconium-stained liquor, development of fetal distress, the rate of LSCS, low birth weight are high. The determination of AFI can be used as an adjunct to other fetal surveillance methods.

Keywords: Oligohydramnios; Amniotic Fluid Index; Amniotic Fluid Volume; Foetal Acoustic Stimulation Test; Lower Segment Caesarean Section, Ultrasonogram; Foetal Heart Rate; Non-Stress Test.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Swetha Lekkala

Post graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GEMS