Perinatal Outcome in Term Oligohydramnios

Background: Isolated term oligohydramnios is a clinical problem which is associated with potential adverse perinatal outcomes. In the absence of other maternal or fetal abnormalities, diagnosis and management of the condition are still focal points of clinical divergence. Characterizing the outcome profile of such cases is essential for proper intervention on schedule, most especially for resource-lacking settings. Objective: To determine the frequency of perinatal complications in patients with isolated oligohydramnios at term pregnancy. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from June 2024 to November 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital Swat. Methodology: A total of 113 term pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years with singleton cephalic pregnancies and confirmed isolated oligohydramnios were enrolled. Patients with hypertension, fetal anomalies, IUGR, PROM, and NSAID exposure were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Perinatal outcomes analyzed included mode of delivery, low APGAR score at 5 minutes, low birth weight and NICU admission. Results: Among 113 patients, 69.9% underwent cesarean section and 30.1% delivered vaginally. Low APGAR scores at 5 minutes were seen in 31.9% of neonates, 39.8% had low birth weight, and 38.9% required NICU admission. NICU admission was significantly associated with maternal age (p=0.007) and parity (p=0.004). Low birth weight was significantly associated with gestational age (p<0.001), while low APGAR scores had a significant association with socioeconomic status (p=0.010). Conclusion: Isolated oligohydramnios at term is associated with high cesarean rates and increased risk of neonatal complications including low APGAR scores, low birth weight, and NICU admissions