title: Correlation of amniotic fluid index with perinatal outcome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of amniotic fluid index (AFI) (<5) for adverse perinatal outcome in terms of cesarean section for fetal distress, birth weight, meconium staining, Apgar scores, and cord pH at birth.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study of 200 antenatal women booked at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital during the years 2009-2011 with gestational age between 34 and 41 weeks. The women's history, clinical examination recorded, and AFI were measured and the perinatal outcome was compared between two groups, i.e., AFI < 5 and >5.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cesarean section rate for fetal distress and low birth weight babies, <2.5 kg, was higher in patients with oligohydramnios (p = 0.048, 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in meconium staining, Apgar score at 5 min <7, and cord pH at birth between the two groups (p = 0.881, 0.884, 0.764, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oligohydramnios has a significant correlation with cesarean section for fetal distress and low birth weight babies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India ; H. NO.-209, Pragati Apartment, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, 110063 India.
authors.forename: Megha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bhagat
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Indu
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chawla
keywords: Apgar scores; Birth weight; Cesarean delivery; Cord pH; Meconium staining