International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology | 2019
Maternal and Perinatal outcomes of oligohydramnios in a tertiary care hospital in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Amniotic fluid is a clear to mild yellowish, faintly alkaline, thin fluid with low specific gravity, which covers the fetus inside the amniotic sac during pregnancy. The volume of amniotic fluid varies with the gestational age measuring about 50 ml at 12 weeks, 400 ml at 20 weeks and 1 litre at 36-38 weeks. The volume of amniotic fluid diminishes thereafter till at term it measures about 600-800 ml. Amniotic fluid helps in maintaining a well hydrated scaffold for free movement and growth of the fetus during the ante-natal period and providing protection from umbilical cord compression during labour. Oligohydramnios is the term coined for a condition where the amount of liquor amnii is less than 200 ml at term. Using an ultrasonogram, oligohydramnios can be deliberated when the vertical pocket of liquor is less than 2 cm or when amniotic fluid ABSTRACT