Amniotic fluid index: a practical guide in management of pregnancy induced hypertension

ABSTRACT

The significance of amniotic fluid index [AFI] has been evaluated for antepartum fetal survival in 100 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH]. The results revealed that the frequency of oligohydramnios [AFI <5] in severe PIH is double that of mild PIH and AFI is inversely proportional to severity of PIH. Oligohydramnios is associated with abnormal FHR [70%], meconium stained AF grade II or III [70%], cesaren section [CS] for fetal distress [70%], 1-min Apgar score <7 [60%], and 5-min Apgar score <7 [20%]. The study concluded that AFI is simple, safe, reliable and noninvasive method antepartum fetal surveillance. It was proposed that AFI should replace AF pocket in fetal biophysical profile