Amniotic fluid index in high-risk pregnancy and poor Apgar score at birth at Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital Larkana
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To determine the frequency of abnormal amniotic fluid index (AFI) among high-risk term pregnancies and assess its association with poor Apgar score at birth at Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital, Larkana. Methods: This descriptive longitudinal study included 217 women aged 18–40 years with singleton, cephalic pregnancies at 37–42 weeks who had one or more high-risk maternal or obstetric conditions. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling. AFI was assessed by an expert ultrasonologist within 72 hours before delivery and categorized as normal (8.1–24 cm), borderline oligohydramnios (5.1–8 cm), or oligohydramnios (<5 cm). Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal data were recorded using a structured proforma. Apgar scores were assessed at 1 and 5 minutes, with a score <7 at 5 minutes classified as poor Apgar. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Among 217 pregnancies, 140 (64.5%) had normal AFI, 35 (16.1%) had borderline oligohydramnios, and 42 (19.4%) had oligohydramnios. Poor Apgar at 5 minutes occurred in 10 (7.1%) neonates with normal AFI, 9 (25.7%) with borderline AFI, and 15 (35.7%) with oligohydramnios (p<0.001). Overall, poor Apgar was more frequent with abnormal AFI than normal AFI (31.2% vs. 7.1%; RR 4.37, 95% CI 2.19–8.72; p<0.001). Abnormal AFI was also associated with lower birth weight and increased NICU admission. Conclusion: Abnormal AFI, particularly oligohydramnios, was associated with poor neonatal adaptation at birth among high-risk term pregnancies. AFI assessment may help identify pregnancies requiring closer fetal surveillance and timely obstetric management.
Source: Aposta
Institution: Shaikh Zayed Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214917547