Oligohydramnios is defined as which of the following?

Oligohydramnios is defined as which of the following?

• A. Abnormally low volume of fluid less than 500 mL
• B. Abnormally high volume of fluid greater than 2000 mL
• C. Normal amniotic fluid volume
• D. Fluid volume is not routinely assessed

Answer: (A)

Oligohydramnios means there is too little amniotic fluid. A common clinical threshold used is an amniotic fluid volume below 500 mL, which defines oligohydramnios at term. Ultrasound estimates fluid volume, often with the amniotic fluid index or by measuring the deepest vertical pocket; an AFI under about 5 cm or a deepest pocket under 2 cm supports the diagnosis. This low fluid state can reflect issues like placental insufficiency, fetal renal problems, post-term pregnancy, or maternal dehydration, and it raises risks such as cord compression and potential fetal distress. The other descriptions describe too much fluid (polyhydramnios), normal fluid, or assert that fluid volume isn’t routinely assessed, which does not fit the definition.

Oligohydramnios means there is too little amniotic fluid. A common clinical threshold used is an amniotic fluid volume below 500 mL, which defines oligohydramnios at term. Ultrasound estimates fluid volume, often with the amniotic fluid index or by measuring the deepest vertical pocket; an AFI under about 5 cm or a deepest pocket under 2 cm supports the diagnosis. This low fluid state can reflect issues like placental insufficiency, fetal renal problems, post-term pregnancy, or maternal dehydration, and it raises risks such as cord compression and potential fetal distress. The other descriptions describe too much fluid (polyhydramnios), normal fluid, or assert that fluid volume isn’t routinely assessed, which does not fit the definition.