Outcome of Oligohydramnios in Pregnant Women with Full Term Gestation

Oligohydramnios is defined as AFI less than 5cm. The incidence of oligohydramnios varies between 1–5%. The incidence increases in post-dated pregnancies, noted in as many as 11%. The purpose of the study is to find out the causes for oligohydramnios and assess the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with it. This is a prospective study of 100 pregnant women (50 cases of oligohydramnios and 50 cases with normal AFI) taking regular check-ups at hospitals attached to J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere. The selected patients were subjected to a detailed history, complete general physical examination and an ultrasound examination

Incidence of oligohydramnios was 1.48%. The common etiological factors for oligohydramnios were pre-eclampsia (16%), post-dated pregnancy (52%) and idiopathic (32%). Caesarean delivery rate was 70% out of which 45% were done as an elective procedure. The perinatal outcome was better in the caesareandeliveries done as elective procedures when compared with the emergency caesarean deliveries. Perinatal mortality was 18% and take home baby rate was 82%.

Oligohydramnios in course of pregnancy signals danger to the foetus. AFI ≤5 cm is associated with high incidence of thick meconium stained liquor, fetal distress, operative delivery and caesarean section, poor Apgar scores, low birth weight, meconium aspiration and perinatal morbidity and mortality.