The effect of maternal lower limb compression on amniotic fluid index, uteroplacental perfusion and fetal blood flow in isolated oligohydramnios

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of pneumatic compression of the maternal lower extremities in increasing the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in pregnancies complicated by isolated oligohydramnios.Methods: Women with isolated oligohydramnios (AFI < 5 cm) at 32-41 weeks of pregnancy were connected to a sequential compression device for 60 minutes. Prior and after the application, AFI and the pulsatility index (PI) of a number of arteries were measured.Results: The median (interquartile range) maternal age of the 21 women included was 29 years (26.50-32.00), the median parity was 1 (1-2) and the median gestational age at intervention was 37.60 weeks (37.00-39.40). The median AFI increased after the application, from 4.00 (3.62-4.50) to 6.08 cm (4.90-7.03) (p<0.001). The median PI of the fetal renal artery decreased from 2.30 (2.01-2.88) to 2.26 (1.68-2.71) (p=0.01). The hourly fetal urine production did not increase. Changes were not significant in the PI of the umbilical artery, the middle cerebral artery, and the bilateral uterine arteries.Discussion: Short-term activation of pneumatic compression on maternal lower extremities could increase the AFI in women with isolated oligohydramnios.