Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Oligohydramnios: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Pregnancies Between 28 to 42 Weeks of Gestation

Background Oligohydramnios, defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) <5 cm or a single deepest pocket <2 cm, is associated with increased risks of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), umbilical cord compression, and perinatal morbidity. Despite extensive research, controversy remains regarding the optimal management strategy for pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios. This study evaluates maternal and perinatal outcomes in oligohydramnios to guide clinical decision-making. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over two years (October 2022 to September 2024) at a tertiary care center. The study included 188 pregnant women between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation diagnosed with oligohydramnios. Data on maternal demographic characteristics, pregnancy complications, fetal monitoring parameters, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed using chi-square and t-tests, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results The study revealed significant maternal and perinatal complications in oligohydramnios. The mean maternal age was 25.4 ± 4.2 years, with 61.7% primigravida. Cesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery (69.1%) due to fetal distress. Low birth weight (<2.5 kg) occurred in 53.19% of neonates, with 29.73% having an Apgar score ≤7 at one minute. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was required in 14.36% of cases, and perinatal mortality was 8.5%. Non-reactive non-stress tests (NST) (25.53%) and abnormal Doppler findings were strongly associated with adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for close fetal monitoring and timely intervention. Conclusion Oligohydramnios is associated with a high rate of operative deliveries, increased neonatal morbidity, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Early identification and close fetal monitoring using Doppler studies and NSTs play a critical role in optimizing pregnancy outcomes. The findings reinforce the need for individualized management strategies to improve neonatal survival and reduce maternal complications.