Amniotic Fluid Disorders, Maternal Complications, and Neonatal Outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Amniotic fluid is a protective liquid consisting of water and substances such proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, and chemical compounds. Amniotic fluid anomalies are twofold. Polyhydramnios is characterized as an AFI of 24 cm or higher. Oligohydramnios is a decreased AFI of less than 5 cm. Aims of the study to identify the maternal risk factors associated with amniotic fluid disorders and to assess the effect of amniotic fluid disorders on maternal and fetal outcome. Method: A prospective case-control study was conducted at Basrah maternity and children's hospital between the 1st of January 2022 and the 30th of June 2022. A total of 75 pregnant women who were admitted to labor room with intact membranes and with anticipation of spontaneous vaginal delivery were evaluated. They will be divided into three groups according to ultrasound examination of AFI and the deepest amniotic fluid sac into normal liquid, polyhydramnios, and oligohydramnios. The comparison of the three groups in terms of complications, mode of delivery, and NICU admission was studied. Results: 33% of the patients studied had polyhydramnios and 33% had oligohydramnios. Normal amniotic fluid index was 28 3.08, whereas polyhydramnios was 29.88 6.01 and oligohydramnios was 3.22 1.09. Amniotic fluid anomalies were linked to BMI and maternal diabetes. Age, education, parity, and gravidity were not associated with amniotic fluid anomalies. There was a relationship between the mother's gestational age, how she delivered delivery, and amniotic fluid abnormalities. Amniotic fluid abnormalities weren't connected to any fetal outcomes. Conclusion: Amniotic fluid problems are widespread in Basrah, and maternal hyperglycemia is a risk factor for polyhydramnios. Amniotic fluid abnormalities impact delivery and gestational age. Future research on amniotic fluid abnormalities will use a bigger sample size and cohort approach.