Saline amnioinfusion for relief of variable decelerations.

Fetal distress due to oligohydramnios can be treated with saline amnioinfusion. The technique is easily learned by physicians who know how to use intrauterine pressure catheters. Therapeutic and prophylactic indications for saline amnioinfusion include oligohydramnios, thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and fetal distress. Family physicians can use this new procedure to actively manage labor.