A prospective case control study of the effects of oligohydramnios on fetomaternal outcome in mothers with term pregnancy in a rural medical college

Background: The aim of the current study was to assess the fetomaternal effects of oligohydramnios on term pregnancies in a rural tertiary care setup.Methods: A perspective case control hospital-based trial was conducted at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for a period of one year. Pregnancies at term (37-42 weeks) were included in the study. 103 patients with sonographically diagnosed oligohydramnios were included in the case group. The control group comprised of 103 mothers at term with normal liquor volume. Demographic data and fetomaternal outcome parameters were assessed and compared.Results: There was increased incidence of fetal and perinatal complications including low birth weight, birth asphyxia and NICU admission. There were more perinatal deaths in the case group compared to the control group. Induction of labour, operative delivery, meconium stained liquor and incidence of preeclampsia were also increased in mothers with low AFI.Conclusions: Oligohydramnios is associated with an increased risk of labour and perinatal complications. Adequate antenatal surveillance and intranatal monitoring coupled with correction of underly-ing factors is the mainstay of management