Study of amniotic fluid index and its pregnancy outcome

Background: Amniotic fluid is vital to the well-being of the fetus. Severe oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios are associated with increased maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: This was prospective observational study conducted at tertiary teaching institute from July 2012 to July 2013. Total 200 patients were included in the study. On the basis of amniotic fluid index (AFI), patients were categorized in 3 groups, Normal AFI (8-24 cm), oligohydramnios (AFI <5cm) and polyhydramnios (AFI > = 25 cm). Results were analysed in the form of incidence, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome which includes preterm, low birth weight, still births, NICU admissions and neonatal deaths in all the 3 groups.Results: Out of 200 patients, there was 150 cases of normal AFI, 39 cases of oligohydramnios and 11 cases of polyhydramnios. Incidence of oligohydramnios was 4.1% and polyhydramnios was 1.1%. PIH was the most common etiological factor found in oligohydramnios (30.7%) and in polyhydramnios congenital anomalies (36.3%) followed by idiopathic cause (27.2%) was most common. Incidence of caesarean section was 58.9% in oligohydarmnios and 17.3% in normal AFI group. Incidence of NICU admission was 25.6% in oligohydramnios and 50% in polyhydramnios group in comparison to 9.3% in normal AFI group.Conclusions: Amniotic fluid index is an important part of antepartum fetal surveillance. Abnormalities of AFI are associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality and maternal morbidity.