Oligohydramnios in third trimester and perinatal outcome

Abstract

Background: Oligohydramnios, characterized by reduced amniotic fluid volume, is a common obstetrical complication in the third trimester. It is associated with various fetal, maternal, and placental disorders and is known to negatively affect perinatal outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by Oligohydramnios (AFI < 5 cm) at term and to evaluate the predictive value of AFI in identifying fetal distress and adverse outcomes. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study conducted at Babylon Teaching Hospital. Patients and Methods: A total of 197 pregnant women between 28-42 weeks of gestation with low AFI were included, perinatal outcomes were assessed, and statistical significance was determined with a p-value < 0.05. Results: Oligohydramnios was significantly associated with abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR), meconium-stained fluid, Apgar scores < 7, NICU admissions, and higher cesarean section rates due to fetal distress. Most women (73.1%) were aged 20-35 years. Mean gestational age was 37.12±2.59 weeks by LMP and 36.69±2.80 weeks by ultrasound. Common maternal complications included pregnancy-induced hypertension (25.3%), chorioamnionitis (17.6%), and antepartum hemorrhage (10.1%). Operative delivery occurred in 86.6% of cases, perinatal mortality was high (22.7%), with complications including low Apgar scores (41.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (4.8%), IUGR (18.7%), fetal anomalies (15.8%), and low birth weight (10.9%). Conclusion: Oligohydramnios, increasingly diagnosed through routine ultrasound, is commonly linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension. Delivery decisions should be individualized, based on severity and fetal condition. Close monitoring and neonatal support are crucial to improve outcomes.