ISSN: 2161-0932
Eshwarya J. Kaur, Jyoti Haq
Background: Disorders of amniotic fluid volume can predict an underlying foetal or placental pathology. This study was undertaken to evaluate the causes of Polyhydramnios and explain if these volume extremes may be with increased risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: An observational study was done on 100 patients with AFI more than 24 cm or single liquor pocket more than 8 cm with singleton pregnancy after 28 weeks gestation. Maternal Outcomes like the presence of maternal diabetes prenatally detected congenital anomalies, gestational age and mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes like birth weight, Apgar scores and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were observed. Results: The incidence of Idiopathic Polyhydramnios in the study was 57%, 30% of cases had an underlying foetal congenital anomaly, and 13% were associated with maternal gestational diabetes. A higher incidence (77%) of mild Polyhydramnios was observed. The most common congenital anomaly observed involved the Central Nervous System (50%). The overall rate of Caesarean section was high (44%), but the perinatal outcome was favourable, especially in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group with 5.26% of neonates having an Apgar Score less than seven at birth. Conclusion: In most patients, no underlying cause can be found, but the presence of increased severity of Polyhydramnios should alert the clinician of underlying foetal pathology. Significant perinatal morbidity in Polyhydramnios is attributable to congenital anomalies and prematurity.