Effect of maternal oral hydration on amniotic fluid index in women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of maternal oral hydration on amniotic fluid index (AFI) in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Five women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and five normotensive gravidae at 32-37 weeks gestation with normal AFI (8-18cm) were hydrated by oral intake of 2L of water over 1 h. Both groups were similar in age, parity and gestation. Repeat AFI was measured in all women after 3 h. The differences between pre- and post-hydration AFI in the two groups were analyzed with Student's t-test for statistical significance. Maternal oral hydration resulted in a significant increase in AFI in both hypertensive and normotensive gravidae (1.7cm and 3.48cm, respectively). However, the extent of increase was significantly lower in the hypertensive group (P = 0.03). Pregnancy-induced hypertension adversely affects the increase in amniotic fluid volume with maternal hydration. This observation is of clinical relevance in the management of oligohydramnios associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension.