ABSTRACT
The objective was to determine the significance of amniotic fluid volume with regard to pegnancy outcome in postdate pregnancy with the amniotic fluid index (AFI) assessment and to define the optimal cut-off level where adverse pregnancy outcome can occur. Ninety-eight pregnant women under 35 years of age with over 40 weeks' completed gestational age and no other complications admitted to Central Women's Hospital during the study period of 6 months beginning in April 1994 were selected for AFI assessment by using real time linear array B-scan. Pregnancy outcomes were correlated with AFI in cases of delivery within 3 days of AFI assessment. analysis revealed an inverse relationship between AFI and incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome and the optimal cut-off point was AFI 8.0 cm with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 72.8 per cent, 71 per cent, 42 per cent and 90 per cent respectively for adverse fetal outcome. In conclusion, amniotic fluid volume assessment was an effective method in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome and AFI of 8.0 cm was shown statistically to be an appropriate cut-off level to identify the fetus at risk.