Management of Oligohydramnios Through Ayurveda: A Case Re-Port

Abstract

The embryo and the fetus are surrounded by amniotic fluid during development in utero, and it has various functions. The normal range for Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is 8 to 24 cm, with values above and below this indicating polyhydramnios/hydramnios and oligohydramnios, respectively. Borderline oligohydramnios usually refers to AFIs between 5 to 8 cm. The primary function of amniotic fluid is to protect the fetus. The extremes of volume may be associated with increased risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, a primi gravida patient, with a Period of Gestation 37+5 weeks by LMP, came to the out-patient department (OPD) of Prasuti tantra OPD of All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi, on January 25th, 2023, for a routine antenatal checkup with ultrasonography report showing AFI= 7.1 cm. So, an effort was made to maintain the amniotic fluid volume using Ayurveda medicines (Bala, Shatavari and Yashtimadhu) orally in the form of ksheerapana that resulted in significant improvement in the amniotic fluid volume within a week, and the patient delivered a healthy baby vaginally with spontaneous labour pains at POG 40+2 weeks (by LMP). No sign of fetal distress was seen during labour. APGAR score was found normal.