Oligohydramnios in uncomplicated pregnancies beyond 40 completed weeks - A prospective, randomised, pilot study on maternal and neonatal outcomes

Objectives: In low-risk pregnancies, the management of oligohydramnios is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in cases of isolated oligohydramnios randomised to either induction of labour or expectant management. Methods: 87 women pregnant beyond 40 completed weeks were asked to participate in the study. Fifty-four accepted and were randomised at 288 days of pregnancy. Twenty-six were randomised to expectant management and 28 to induction of labour. The primary maternal outcome was the mode of delivery and the primary neonatal outcomes were cord blood pH and Apgar score at delivery. Results: No significant differences were found for any important maternal or neonatal outcome. Conclusion: Based on these results, the decisions about management could be individualised. Even though the number of patients included was small, these results are well in concordance with others. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.