Perinatal Outcomes with Isolated Oligohydramnios in Term Pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Oligohydramnios at term has been associated with fetal growth restriction, meconium-stained liquor, birth asphyxia, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and other adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objective: To determine the frequency of isolated oligohydramnios in term pregnancies and to compare perinatal outcomes among women with and without isolated oligohydramnios.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, from February 10, 2022, to August 9, 2022. A total of 200 pregnant women aged 18–45 years with term pregnancies were included. Women with uteroplacental insufficiency on Doppler ultrasonography, prelabor rupture of membranes, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, chronic liver disease, or chronic kidney disease were excluded. All participants underwent ultrasonographic assessment for oligohydramnios by a consultant obstetrician.

Results: Isolated oligohydramnios was identified in 64 of 200 women, giving a frequency of 32.0%. In the overall study population, cesarean delivery occurred in 129 (64.5%) patients, meconium staining was observed in 125 (62.5%), and an Apgar score <7 at five minutes was recorded in 128 (64.0%) neonates. NICU admission was required in 36 (18.0%) neonates, while 18 (9.0%) neonatal deaths were recorded.

Conclusion: Isolated oligohydramnios was observed in approximately one-third of term pregnancies in this study. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including cesarean delivery, meconium staining, low five-minute Apgar scores, NICU admission, and neonatal mortality, were also observed in the study population.