Background: Surrounding the developing embryo, amniotic fluid (AF) is essential to the correct development of the fetus. A decrease in the volume of amniotic fluid may be the initial sign of an illness in the mother or a fetal defect. This study compares and evaluates the perinatal outcomes for mothers whose amniotic fluid volume is abnormal or normal. Method: A prospective comparative study was conducted for a period of 8 months from September 2021 to April 2022. Group I consist of 50 patients with normal amniotic fluid and group II consists of 50 patients with either oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was calculated using Phalen’s four quadrant technique using ultrasound. The perinatal outcome was judged by assessing the fetal distress predicted by abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) or meconium stained liquor, one minute and 5 minute Apgar score, frequency of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), baby weight of less than 10th percentile for gestation age and perinatal mortality. Results: In contrast to normal AFI subjects, patients in group II (abnormal AFI) were found to have higher rates of induction of labor, cesarean section, and meconium-stained liquor. Similarly, perinatal outcome measures such as low birth weight, increased frequency of NICU admission due to respiratory distress, and a low APGAR score were found to be more common in the abnormal AFI group, with the difference being found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Women who require heightened antepartum surveillance for pregnancy difficulties can be identified with the aid of an AFI measurement during the antepartum or intrapartum period. These women should be treated in a dedicated unit to adequately address the complications.

Background: Surrounding the developing embryo, amniotic fluid (AF) is essential to the correct development of the fetus. A decrease in the volume of amniotic fluid may be the initial sign of an illness in the mother or a fetal defect. This study compares and evaluates the perinatal outcomes for mothers whose amniotic fluid volume is abnormal or normal. Method: A prospective comparative study was conducted for a period of 8 months from September 2021 to April 2022. Group I consist of 50 patients with normal amniotic fluid and group II consists of 50 patients with either oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was calculated using Phalen’s four quadrant technique using ultrasound. The perinatal outcome was judged by assessing the fetal distress predicted by abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) or meconium stained liquor, one minute and 5 minute Apgar score, frequency of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), baby weight of less than 10th percentile for gestation age and perinatal mortality. Results: In contrast to normal AFI subjects, patients in group II (abnormal AFI) were found to have higher rates of induction of labor, cesarean section, and meconium-stained liquor. Similarly, perinatal outcome measures such as low birth weight, increased frequency of NICU admission due to respiratory distress, and a low APGAR score were found to be more common in the abnormal AFI group, with the difference being found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Women who require heightened antepartum surveillance for pregnancy difficulties can be identified with the aid of an AFI measurement during the antepartum or intrapartum period. These women should be treated in a dedicated unit to adequately address the complications.