Prepartum transabdominal amnio-infusion for severe oligohydramnios.

Transabdominal amnio-infusion preceding labor induction was evaluated as a means of avoiding fetal distress and cesarean delivery in patients with oligohydramnios. A preliminary study was performed in 8 consecutive term or post-term pregnancies complicated by severe oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index less than or equal to 1 cm) with unripe cervices (Bishop's score less than or equal to 3). Warm saline was injected through a spinal needle under ultrasound control. Vaginal delivery occurred in 7 cases; cesarean section was performed in one patient for failure to progress. There was no meconium aspiration and no sign of fetal distress.