TRANSABDOMINAL AMNIOINFUSION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NONLABORING POSTDATES WITH SEVERE OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS

A retrospective study compared two comparable consecutive groups of no nlaboring primiparas beyond 41 weeks with severe oligohydromanios (no amniotic pocket more than cm deep). Transabdominal amnioinfusions were not done in the historical control group (n = 14) but were done in th e second group (n = 11). Fetal heart rate patterns and neonatal outcom e were better in the group with amnioinfusion than in controls, and th e rate of cesarean delivery was significantly lower 18 vs. 93%, p < 0. 001). These results suggest that prepartum transabdominal amnioinfusio nmay have obstetrical and perinatal benefits for nonlaboring postdates with oligohydramnios, especially when the cervix is unripe.