OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS

  Definition   Amniotic fluid index of 5 cm or less Etiology of Early Onset Oligohydramnios decreased production renal agenesis o...

 

Definition 

Amniotic fluid index of 5 cm or less

Etiology of Early Onset Oligohydramnios

1. decreased production
• renal agenesis or dysplasia,
• urinary obstruction,
• posterior urethral valves (male)
2. increased loss
• prolonged amniotic fluid leak (although most often labour ensues)
3. 15-25% of cases have fetal anomalies

Fetal Complications

1. cord compression
2. T1 onset
• Potterís facies
• limb deformities
• abdominal wall defects
3. onset at > 20 weeks
• pulmonary hypoplasia

Late Pregnancy Onset Oligohydramnios

1. amniotic fluid normally decreases after 35 weeks
2. common in post-term pregnancies
3. may be a marker for infants who may not tolerate labour well

Management

oligohydramnios is an important sign of chronic placental insufficiency and always warrants admission and investigation

• rule out ROM
• fetal monitoring (NST, CTG, BPP)
• consider delivery if at term