Low Amniotic Fluid Index as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome in Low Risk Pregnancies at Term

Objective: To find out if low amniotic fluid index has any clinical significance on perinatal outcome in low risk pregnancies at term. Method: A case controlled prospective study was done. Fifty consecutive women with term pregnancy and low amniotic fluid index (AFI) of <= 5cm attending the labour room having no high risk factors were matched with equal number of controls admitted immediately after the indexed cases with normal AFI. In both the groups the inclusion and exclusion criteria were matched except the AFI. Outcome measures were CTG changes, mode of delivery, presence of meconium, apgar score at 5 minutes, need for admission to neonatal unit (NNU) and perinatal mortality. Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of CTG changes, caesarean section rate, meconium staining, apgar score at 5 minutes between women with AFI <= 5cm and women with AFI >= 5cm in this study. There was no admission to NNU and no perinatal mortality. Conclusion: There is no effect of reduced AFI on maternal or perinatal outcome in pregnant women with low risk pregnancies at term.