Maternal [oral] hydration increases amniotic fluid volume

ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of maternal [oral] hydration on amniotic fluid volume in patients with third trimester oligohydramnios. Interventional study. Department of Obs and Gynae Unit III, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from May 2002 to October 2002. Twenty five women with third trimester oligohydramnios [AFI amniotic fluid volume [AFI 8-24 cm] were prospectively recruited for this study. Maternal urine specific gravity and amniotic fluid index were determined before and after maternal hydration by asking them to drink 2 L of water in 2-4 hours before repeat amniotic fluid index and recorded on printed proformas. Hydration increased amniotic fluid volume in women with oligohydramnios [mean change in amniotic fluid index 4.3 cm, 95% confidence interval 4.02 to 5.06; P value <0.001]; as well as in women with normal fluid volume [mean change in Amniotic fluid index 2.7 cm, 95% confidence interval 2.23 to 3.21; P value <0.01]. However, percentage increase in mean AFI was 58.6% in the oligohydramnios group, which was significantly greater [P value <0.05] than the percentage increase of 28.4% in control group. Hydration was associated with decrease in urine specific gravity in both groups. Maternal [oral] hydration increases AFV in women with oligohydramnios as well as in women with normal AFV and may be beneficial in the management of oligohydramnios