AMNIOTIC-FLUID INDEX IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POSTDATES PREGNANCY

This is a prospective evaluation of the relationship between the amnio tic fluid index (AFI) and perinatal outcome in 55 postdates pregnancie s. The gravid abdomen was divided into four quadrants, using real-time ultrasound with a 3.5 mHz transducer, the largest pocket of amniotic fluid in each quadrant was measured and their sum totalled to arrive a t the amniotic fluid index. AFI in this study ranged from 2.8 cm to 22 .6 cm. The mean for 41 weeks was 13.52 +/- 4.6 cm and for 12 weeks 9.9 3 +/- 4.37 cm. Oligohydramnios was noted in four patients, AFI less th an 5.3 cm. Two of these cases developed intrapartum foetal distress an d had Caesarean Section. All four babies were admitted with meconium a spiration and one died from this complication.