RESUMEN
Background: Oligohydramnios causes many intrapartum maternal and fetal complications. Intrapartum amnioinfusion effectively increases amniotic fluid volume and thereby decreases FH decelerations. The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of fetal heart decelerations and its perinatal outcome with and without amnioinfusion in patients with oligohydramnios and the cesarean rates for fetal distress between them.Methods: In study group, 100 patients in labour with AFI < 5 cm, oligohydramnios and IUGR with normal doppler, postdated pregnancies with AFI ≤ 5 cm with normal doppler were selected and prophylactic amnioinfusion with 300 ml lukewarm saline is given aseptically for 15 minutes after amniotomy. Continuous CTG monitoring done till delivery. If FH decelerations occur, the bolus was repeated up to 3 times. 100 age matched controls managed with conventional methods without amnioinfusion were selected retrospectively from labour room case records.Results: Incidence of FH decelerations was lower in study group (59% versus 84%). Cesarean section for fetal distress was reduced (20.9% versus 79.1%) Perinatal outcome was better. Babies with normal 1-minute Apgar was 86% compared to 75% in controls. Frequency of FH decelerations was reduced (20% versus 73%). Occurrence of 2 FH decelerations were 13% versus 33%, 3 FH decelerations were 7% versus 27% and > 3 times was 0% versus 13%.Conclusions: Prophylactic amnioinfusion can easily and effectively reduce the FH decelerations and caesarean section rate for fetal distress in oligohydramnios improving both maternal and fetal outcomes with negligible risks.
RESUMEN
It is vital to determine whether a fetus is showing a normal physiological response to the stress of labour or if the fetus is exposed to intrapartum hypoxia to ensure timely and appropriate management. Failure to interpret fetal heart rate correctly during second stage of labour may lead to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity due to an unnecessary caesarean section or an instrumental vaginal delivery. Conversely, delay in timely and appropriate intervention can also result in increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. This review addresses the pathophysiology behind features observed on the CTG trace as well as the types of intrapartum hypoxia during second stage of labour and aims to identify common pitfalls including inadvertent monitoring of maternal heart rate as well as monitoring and interpretation of cardiotocograph of twin pregnancies in the second stage of labour.