Transient Idiopathic Polyhydramnios: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes

J Ultrasound Med. 2022 Nov;41(11):2859-2866. doi: 10.1002/jum.15974. Epub 2022 Mar 21.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with transient and persistent idiopathic polyhydramnios to those with normal amniotic fluid volume.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included subjects delivering a singleton pregnancy between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2020, with sonography ≥26 weeks' gestation demonstrating transient or persistent idiopathic polyhydramnios (amniotic fluid index [AFI] ≥24.0 cm) or normal AFI (referent group). The primary maternal outcome was a composite of spontaneous preterm delivery <37 weeks, cesarean delivery for malpresentation, abnormal labor progress, or nonreassuring fetal status, operative vaginal delivery, hemorrhage requiring transfusion, and umbilical cord prolapse. The primary perinatal outcome was a composite of birthweight >4500 g, fetal or neonatal death, 5-minute Apgar score <7, and neonatal intensive care unit admission for >24 hours.

Results: Patients with transient polyhydramnios (n = 259) exhibited maternal outcomes similar to those of the referent group (n = 435) but had significantly increased odds for the primary perinatal outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.53; P = .008) and for birthweight ≥4500 g (OR 8.70, 95% CI 1.89-40.0; P = .005). Persistent polyhydramnios (n = 176) was significantly associated with both the primary maternal (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.27-2.95, P = .002) and primary perinatal outcome (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.40-3.30; P < .001), and individually with cesarean delivery for abnormal labor (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.55-6.68; P = .002) and birthweight ≥4500 g (OR 8.97, 95% CI 1.84-43.6; P = .007).

Conclusions: Transient idiopathic polyhydramnios does not impact maternal outcomes but is associated with increased odds of newborn birthweight >4500 g. Persistent polyhydramnios is associated with both adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Keywords: amniotic fluid volume; obstetrical outcomes; perinatal outcomes; polyhydramnios; pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid
  • Birth Weight
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Polyhydramnios* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Retrospective Studies