Transabdominal amnioinfusion for the management of nonlaboring postdates with severe oligohydramnios.

A retrospective study compared two comparable consecutive groups of nonlaboring primiparas beyond 41 weeks with severe oligohydromanios (no amniotic pocket more than 2 cm deep). Transabdominal amnioinfusions were not done in the historical control group (n = 14) but were done in the second group (n = 11). Fetal heart rate patterns and neonatal outcome were better in the group with amnioinfusion than in controls, and the rate of cesarean delivery was significantly lower (18 vs. 93%, p < 0.001). These results suggest that prepartum transabdominal amnioinfusion may have obstetrical and perinatal benefits for nonlaboring postdates with oligohydramnios, especially when the cervix is unripe.