Introduction:
Significant oligohydramnios is not a very common antenatal problem; however, the consequence of this condition can be very serious. Oligohydramnios can cause severe fetal problems such as cord compression, cord prolapse and limb deformity. Oligohydramnios is also associated with adverse perinatal outcomes which include intrauterine growth restriction, fetal distress, and low apgor score1,2,3. However, the most serious complication is fetal pulmonary hypoplasia leading to fetal and neonatal death. Fetal pulmonary hypoplasia which results from oligohydramnios in early gestation is well documented in the literature4, 5,6,7,8,9. However, the effect of oligohydramnios during the second and third trimesters on fetal lung maturity is debatable10.. Amniotic fluid is also important for fetal movement and development of the musculoskeletal system, it protects the growing fetus from external forces and is critical for fetal lung development.
Amnioinfusion entails installation of normal saline or ringer lactate to restore the normal value of amniotic fluid. The purpose of this procedure is to improve visualization and diagnosis. The therapeutic benefit of this procedure is very debatable. However, it has been proven that intrapartum amnioinfusion to relieve fetal distress in labor due to cord compression is beneficial11. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends conservative treatment for pregnant women with oligohydramnios12. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of amnioinfusion when used in this group of patients with oligohydramnios who present in the second and third trimesters.