Fetal outcome in singleton pregnancies complicated with polyhydramnios from 28 to 36 weeks

ABSTRACT

To describe the fetal outcome in singleton pregnancies complicated with polyhydramnios from 28 to 36 weeks. Descriptive study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore from July 2007 to July 2008. Fifty pregnant women diagnosed with polyhydramnios were included. They were evaluated on ultrasonography, amniotic fluid index greater than 25cm or a maximum vertical pocket of liquor greater than 8cm confirmed the diagnosis of polyhydramnios and associated congenital abnormality. A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Mean gestational age was 34.2 +/- 1.4. Thirty patients [60%] had vaginal delivery while cesarean section was done in 20 patients [40%]. Forty patients [80%] had live birth whereas 4 [8%] and 6 [12%] patients had stillbirth and IUD respectively. Weight of 56% of the babies was less than 2.5kg and 44% of the babies more than or equal to 2.5kg with mean weight of 2.4 +/- 0.3kg. Normal babies were seen in 40 patients [80%] while 10 babies [20%] had congenital abnormalities. Out of 40 live born babies, 18 [45%] did not require resuscitation while 22 [55%] were shifted to NICU. Two babies [9%] expired in nursery and 20 babies [91%] were discharged healthy. Polyhydramnios carries a higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes, such as fetal distress during labor, low Apgar scores, NICU transfer, fetal death, congenital anomalies and neonatal death from the study population