Oligohydramnios increases the risk of what during labor, and how is the condition monitored?

• A. Fetal macrosomia; monitor with ultrasound
• B. Polyhydramnios; monitor with CTG
• C. Cord compression and fetal distress; monitor with ultrasound-based amniotic fluid index and fetal monitoring
• D. Placental abruption; monitor with ultrasound

Answer: (C)

Oligohydramnios means there is too little amniotic fluid, which reduces the cushioning around the umbilical cord and fetus. During labor this makes cord compression more likely, increasing the risk of fetal distress (variable or other nonreassuring heart rate patterns). The appropriate way to monitor is to quantify fluid volume with an ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid—typically the amniotic fluid index—and to perform continuous fetal monitoring to detect any signs of distress. This combination directly addresses both the risk (cord compression from low fluid) and the method to watch for it (fluid measurement plus ongoing fetal monitoring).