Effect of borderline amniotic fluid index in last trimester on perinatal outcome in eastern India: a prospective observational study

Authors

  • Meeta Sharma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Shagun Gupta Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Aarti Kothari Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JIET Medical College and Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20252725

Keywords:

Amniotic fluid index, Borderline amniotic fluid index, Fetal distress, Perinatal outcome

Abstract

Background: This study was done to evaluate the impact of borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI) on perinatal outcomes in term pregnancies.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between January and June 2024. A total of 120 pregnant women at term (37-40 weeks) were divided into two groups: group A (n=60) with normal AFI (8-24 cm) and group B (n=60) with borderline AFI (5-8 cm). Participants were followed until delivery and up to 7 days postpartum with assessment of maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results: Baseline maternal characteristics were comparable between groups. The borderline AFI group had significantly higher rates of fetal distress requiring caesarean delivery (30.0% versus 13.3%, p=0.026), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (36.7% versus 16.7%, p=0.013), and NICU admissions (23.3% versus 10.0%, p=0.048). Neonates in the borderline AFI group had lower birth weights (3042±384g versus 3186±352g, p=0.034), lower umbilical cord pH (7.24±0.08 versus 7.28±0.07, p=0.004), and more early neonatal complications (18.3% versus 6.7%, p=0.045). Subgroup analysis revealed poorer outcomes in pregnancies with AFI 5-6.5 cm compared to AFI 6.6-8 cm.

Conclusions: Borderline AFI at term is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and should be considered a risk factor requiring closer antenatal monitoring and modified intrapartum management. The risk appears to increase with decreasing AFI values, even within the borderline range.

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References

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Published

2025-08-28

How to Cite

Sharma, M., Gupta, S., & Kothari, A. (2025). Effect of borderline amniotic fluid index in last trimester on perinatal outcome in eastern India: a prospective observational study. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 14(9), 2963–2968. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20252725

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Original Research Articles