Management of Oligohydramnios with Ayurveda: A Case Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A 25-year-old woman, pregnant for the first time, visited the Primary Health Centre's (PHC), at Raipur, Hingana, Nagpur, outpatient department (OPD) on November 30, 2024. She presented with two primary concerns: a nine-month history of amenorrhea and a recent decrease in foetal movement, which she first noticed the previous night. Notably, she did not report any symptoms of labour pain, vaginal leakage, or bleeding.

METHOD: The patient's initial visit to the OPD occurred on September 15, 2024, for a routine antenatal check-up at 6 months of gestation. Ultrasonography performed at that time revealed no abnormalities and adequate amniotic fluid volume. Despite being advised to maintain a proper diet rich in fluids, iron, and calcium, and to monitor foetal movement daily, the patient's subsequent visits to the OPD were irregular. Unfortunately, her poor dietary habits and negligence led to a decrease in foetal movement, which she first noticed on the night of November 24, 2024, during her 38th week of gestation. She then consulted an allopathic hospital, where an ultrasonography revealed oligohydramnios and a decreased foetal heart rate. The hospital advised an emergency caesarean section as soon as possible, but the patient declined and instead visited the PHC. Upon consultation, she was prescribed Shatavari Ksheerapaka, an Ayurvedic herbal remedy, to be taken orally twice a day. ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

RESULTS: Following the administration of Shatavari Ksheerapaka, a notable improvement in amniotic fluid volume was observed. The patient subsequently delivered a healthy baby vaginally, without requiring any pre-induction or augmentation measures. Moreover, no signs of foetal distress were detected during the delivery, indicating a successful and uncomplicated outcome.

CONCLUSION: Oligohydramnios has become a prevalent condition in modern times, particularly at term, leading to an increased likelihood of operative interventions. However, adhering to a well-structured Ayurvedic regimen for pregnant women (garbhini) can significantly mitigate this risk.