Intrapartum Amniotic Fluid Volume Estimation in Low-risk Pregnancy as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of routine estimation of amniotic fluid volume using the amniotic fluid index (AFI) as a means of predicting an adverse perinatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies. Materials and methods Five hundred and three singleton lowrisk pregnancies with cephalic presentation between 37 and 40 weeks and 6 days of gestation with intact or ruptured membranes had AFI estimations within 36 hours of delivery. Results The frequency of nonreassuring fetal heart patterns and perinatal outcomes among patients with oligohydramnios (<5 cm), borderline oligohydramnios (5 to 8 cm) and normal (>8 cm) liquor were compared and not found to be different. Cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status was also similar in the three groups. Conclusion This study suggests that AFI estimation during labor in low-risk pregnancies does not predict adverse perinatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to verify this impression. How to cite this article Jeanet J, Benjamin SJ, Mathews JE, Rathore S, Sebastian A, Thomas E. Intrapartum Amniotic Fluid Volume Estimation in Low-risk Pregnancy as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(3):156-158.