Background: Oligohydramnios is a common obstetric condition characterized by reduced amniotic fluid volume and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Borderline oligohydramnios at term often necessitates timely delivery to prevent fetal compromise. Conventional induction methods may be associated with maternal discomfort and potential complications. Ayurveda emphasizes the role of Apana Vayu in the process of childbirth and advocates Basti as an important therapeutic modality for maintaining its normal function. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old primigravida at 38 weeks and 5 days of gestation presented to the Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga Outpatient Department of R.D. Memorial Ayurveda Hospital, Bhopal. Ultrasonography revealed borderline oligohydramnios with an amniotic fluid index of 6 cm. The patient had been advised Cesarean section elsewhere and sought Ayurvedic management. Intervention: Eranda Taila Matra Basti (60 ml) was administered followed by Eranda Taila Yoni Pichu. Oral administration of castor oil with milk was advised during the observation period. Maternal and fetal parameters were monitored throughout labor. Results: Progressive cervical ripening, effacement, and dilatation were observed. The patient went into spontaneous labor and delivered a healthy live female neonate weighing 2.3 kg by normal vaginal delivery. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were satisfactory, and no significant complications were observed. Conclusion: In this case, Eranda Taila Matra Basti and Yoni Pichu were associated with favorable cervical ripening, spontaneous onset of labor, and successful vaginal delivery in a primigravida with borderline oligohydramnios at term. The intervention was well tolerated and no maternal or neonatal complications were observed. Further clinical studies involving larger sample sizes are required to establish the safety and efficacy of these interventions in labor facilitation.
Dr. Preeti Mandre1*, Dr. Chini Jain2, Dr. Reetu Pandey3, Dr. Meenakshi Singh4 (Fri,) studied this question.