Oligohydramnios

Question 1

Define oligohydramnios.

Answer 1

Reduced volume of amniotic fluid

Question 2

What is the aetiology of oligohydramnios? What are risk factors for oligohydramnios?

Answer 2

Birth defects

PROM

Leaking amniotic fluid

Post-date pregnancy

Diabetes

Preeclampsia

Maternal hypoxia

Placental issues

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of oligohydramnios.

Answer 3

4% of pregnancies

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of oligohydramnios?

Answer 4

Leaking of amniotic fluid

Low amniotic fluid on USS

Small for dates

Low maternal weight gain

Abdominal discomfort

Sudden drop in fetal heart rate; little to no fetal movement, or decreasing fetal movement

Question 5

What investigations should be performed for oligohydramnios?

Answer 5

USS (measure amniotic fluid index)

Question 6

What is the management for oligohydramnios?

Answer 6

Regular AFI measurements (2 times weekly)

Question 7

What are the complications of oligohydramnios?

Answer 7

Meconium aspiration

Low Apgar score

Low birth weight

Miscarriage or stillbirth

Birth asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

Intrauterine growth restriction

Cord compression

Cerebral palsy

Preterm birth