Amniotic Fluid Index and its relationship with Poor Apgar Score in Term Pregnancy
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Abstract
Background: The Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is an essential indicator of fetal well-being during pregnancy. Abnormalities in AFI, such as oligohydramnios (low AFI) or polyhydramnios (high AFI), can have significant implications on neonatal outcomes. The Apgar score, a quick assessment of a newborn's health post-delivery, may be influenced by these variations in AFI.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AFI measurements and Apgar scores in term pregnancies, emphasizing the potential impact of amniotic fluid volume variations on neonatal health.
Methods: Conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantt General Hospital Rawalpindi, this descriptive study spanned six months, from October 2022 to March 2023. It involved 224 pregnant women aged 20-40 years, with gestational ages ranging from 37 to 42 weeks. Exclusion criteria included congenital abnormalities, intrauterine growth restriction, multiple gestations, and high-risk pregnancies. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Ultrasonography was performed to measure AFI, categorizing it into two groups: AFI <50mm and AFI >50mm. Apgar scores were assessed at birth, with scores less than 6 categorized as poor.
Results: The mean age of participants was 31.03±6.18 years, and the mean gestational age was 39.26±1.70 weeks. Of the 224 subjects, 74 (33.0%) had AFI <50mm, and 150 (67.0%) had AFI >50mm. Poor Apgar scores were observed in 61 (40.7%) newborns from the low AFI group and 5 (6.8%) from the high AFI group. The overall incidence of poor Apgar scores was 29.5%, with a significant statistical correlation (p-value = 0.00) between low AFI and poor Apgar scores.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant association between low AFI (<50mm) in full-term pregnancies and poor Apgar scores. These findings highlight the necessity for diligent monitoring and management of amniotic fluid levels to improve neonatal outcomes.
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