Role of Maternal Oral Hydration in the Management of Third-Trimester Oligohydramnios
Javeria Sadaf, Sana Hafeez, Muhammad Ameer Hamza
Abstract
Background: Amniotic fluid volume is an important parameter in assessing fetal well-being. A reduced volume of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) observed in the second or early third trimester is particularly ominous with perinatal mortality rates.
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of oral hydration in patients with third-trimester oligohydramnios
Methodology: This study was conducted in Shahida Islam Teaching Hospital Lodhran from 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2024. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with oligohydramnios on ultrasonography in the third trimester, were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups “A” and “B”. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) was noted. Group “A” was kept only on monitoring and observations. At the same time, Group “B” received oral hydration i.e. oral administration of two liters of water per day for 3 days, under the supervision of a staff nurse of the antenatal ward, in addition to their normal routine fluid intake. All patients were admitted to the ward for three days and AFI measurement was repeated on 3rd day after hydration, by the same radiologist. The radiologist was kept blinded by the assigned groups of the study. All blood tests were performed in the Pathology Department of Medical College
Results: Mean amniotic fluid index before hydration was 2.87±1.12 in Group “A” and 2.91±1.11 in Group “B”. Amniotic Fluid Index after oral hydration was recorded at 3.87±1.32 in Group “A” and 7.12±1.43 in Group “B”
Conclusion: Oral hydration was effective in the management of third-trimester oligohydramnios
Keywords: Oligohydramnios, maternal hydration, oral hydration oligohydramnios