Abnormal AFI and Its Implications on Fetomaternal Outcome

Abstract

Background: The AFI is directly associated with adverse outcomes for both the mother and the foetus; oligohydramnios (AFI ≤8 cm) and polyhydramnios (AFI ≥25 cm) are considered ‘abnormal’. The aim of this study was to compare the maternal and foetal complications in full-term pregnancies with abnormal AFI, as well as to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound and Doppler in identifying possible threats that may affect delivery plans. Methods: The current observational study was conducted in a hospital context at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital located in Kathmandu, Nepal between October 2019 and February 2020. This study investigates the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios in 60 cases of pregnancy. Data on maternal and foetal results, including the type of birth, problems, and neonatal APGAR ratings, were collected and evaluated. Continuous variables were described as mean ± SD, while categorical data were expressed in percentage. Results: The prevalence of polyhydramnios was 2% and oligohydramnios was 5.33%. Common maternal complications included preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and gestational hypertension, while fetal outcomes included low APGAR scores, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Oligohydramnios was found to be predominantly associated with post-term pregnancies (36.36%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (13.63%), which led to a higher frequency of caesarean sections (70.46%) when compared to polyhydramnios cases. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ultrasound and Doppler assessments are crucial in identifying high-risk pregnancies and making appropriate delivery decisions to improve maternal and fetal outcomes."