Amniotic fluid is an indicator of placental function on the fetal development. The amniotic fluid index is the most commonly used method of measuring amniotic fluid.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to study amniotic fluid index in normal and high risk pregnancy (PIH) at term (37-40 weeks) and to correlate amniotic fluid index with foetal outcome.

Materials and Methods: The present study of assessment of Amniotic Fluid Index in high risk cases of pregnancy was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, D.M.C.H. Laheriasarai, Bihar. The ultrasonic examination was performed in the radio diagnosis department of D.M.C.H.L aheriasarai, Bihar.  Scans were performed from 37 weeks to 40 weeks earlier if indicated.

Results: This study showed that maximum numbers of cases admitted in both the groups were ranged between 37-39 weeks of gestational age. It was also seen that maximum patients in high risk (100) and control (100) groups were in 21-30 years age and minimum patients belong to age group > 37 years. Most of the patients were from antenatal clinic, 60 patients in control group and all 100 patients in PIH group attended antenatal clinic regularly. It was also seen in both groups that maximum patients were primigravida (40.5%).

The amniotic fluid volume as measured by amniotic fluid index was within normal limits (86%) in low risk group patients.  Incidence of congenital anomaly in high risk group was 20% and with oligohydramnios was 7.41%. We found one case of renal agenesis and one of multiple anomalies with oligohydramnios, also incidence of IUGR was very high in both groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that, amniotic fluid volume estimation by ultrasonography is a good method of estimation of foetal wellbeing. Amniotic fluid volume is altered in high risk (PIH) pregnancies; it reflects intrauterine growth retardation and congenital malformations in few cases.

Keywords: Amniotic fluid index, Perinatal outcome, High risk pregnancies, Pregnancy induced hypertension.