ABSTRACT
In high risk pregnancies, there is a dire need to assess amniotic fluid volume. If values of amniotic fluid volume fall within normal limits, it reassures us regarding well being of fetus. The chronically stressed fetus is likely to have low amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid index is a reliable fetal surveillance test and in some obstetrical units highly reliable parameter. Decreased amniotic fluid index has been considered as an indicator of poor neonatal outcome. AFI may be used to predict the occurrence of thick meconium stained liquor and need for intervention for fetal distress in post date pregnancies. Descriptive Study. Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore affiliated with Fatima College of Medicine and dentistry Lahore. 6 month from 7/2/2007 to 7/8/2007. All pregnant women, meeting the inclusion criteria admitted in labour room either through emergency or OPD were selected. The AFI was calculated ultrasonically and these patients were followed till the time of delivery and the APGAR scores of newborn were compared with AFI. During the study period AFI was measured in 60 patients. Among these patients, 32 patients had AFI between 3-4 cm and babies were meconium stained, 23 patients had AFI of 5-6 cm and babies had normal APGAR at the time of delivery. AFI was < 2 cm in 5 patients and babies required resuscitation and admitted in nursery. The AFI is a reliable predictor of neonatal outcome