1.0   INTRODUCTION:

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid has significant implication in obstetric care and it has become an integral and important component of pregnancy assessment Brace RA, Wolf EJ (1989). Its evaluation is vital for predicting fetal well-being as abnormalities of amniotic fluid are often associated with fetal mortality, morbidity and anomaly Salahuddin S,(1998).

The importance of the amniotic fluid volume as an indicator of fetal well-being has been extensively documented Salahuddin S, (1998). It reflects both mother and fetal status. The maintenance of appropriate amniotic fluid volume for gestational age remains an important and integral component for fetal well-being determination.

It is therefore necessary that the normal values of the amniotic fluid across the gestational age be established. A number of methods of amniotic fluid assessment have been evaluated; this ultrasonic evaluation of the amount of amniotic fluid remains the preferred approach to amniotic fluid estimation in clinical practice simply because it is widely available and is non-invasive Brace RA, Wolf EJ (1989).

It can be either a subjective assessment (visualization without ultrasonic measurements), a semi quantitative estimation using the single deepest pocket otherwise equivalent to maximum vertical pocket depth, amniotic fluid index 2 diameter pocket or 3 dimensional measurements Brace RA, Wolf EJ (1989).

Of the three methods, the amniotic fluid index, developed by Phelan and colleagues, which better reflects the intrauterine content, seems to be more advantageous than the measurement of the single deepest amniotic fluid pouch, and has been recommended as the optimum approach with reliable validity MacHado MR,(2007).

The technical bulletin on obstetric ultrasonography from the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology states that amniotic fluid index is a more accurate and reproducible method of determining abnormalities in amniotic fluid volume than are other techniques. Amniotic fluid index is reported to vary not only with gestation but also with population.

Several studies on amniotic fluid index have demonstrated serial changes in mean AFI values weekly with threshold for oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios during pregnancy MacHado MR,(2005). However, as AFI values may be affected by the difference of race and environment, caution is exercised when previously established AFI values are applied to pregnant women with different racial and environmental backgrounds MacHado MR,(2002).

Thus, evaluation of normal values in different population may be considered necessary. To date, it appears that only four studies MacHado MR, (2005) have been reported to establish normal values of amniotic fluid volume in Nigeria to the best of the researcher’s knowledge. This study was designed to determine normal values of amniotic fluid volumes for single uncomplicated pregnancies in our center.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

Pregnancy with polyhydramnios is an alarming situation that needs to be looked into immediately even though it occurs in around one percent of pregnancies in the general obstetric population., but most at times, it might be that the persons in question do not follow up their anti-natal routine, while some prefer home delivery by someone they know around hence endangering their lives. Another problem that may occur could be inaccuracy when checking for the amniotic fluid level of the expectant mother; indicating a level that is fine but on the reverse it is not. Finally, several research has been carried out on the meconium stained amniotic fluid and antenatal steroid administration at term but not even a single research has been carried out on the correlation of amniotic fluid inex (Afi) with gestational age among pregnant women in Alimosho L.G.A Lagos

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

        The main aim of the study is to examine the correlation of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with gestational age among women. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the relationship between amniotic fluid index and gestational age.
2. to determine the effect of amniotic fluid index on the gestational age of pregnant women in Alimosho local government area of Lagos.
3. to determine the factors affecting amniotic fluid index and its effect on gestational age of pregnant women in Alimosho L.G.A Lagos.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the relationship between amniotic fluid index and gestational age?
2. What is the effect of amniotic fluid index on the gestational age of pregnant women in Alimosho local government area of Lagos?
3. What are the factors affecting amniotic fluid index and its effect on gestational age of pregnant women in Alimosho L.G.A Lagos?
4. What are the possible solutions to the problems.?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

HO:   There is no relationship between amniotic fluid index and gestational age among pregnant women.

HI:    There is a relationship between amniotic fluid index and gestational age among pregnant women.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

        The study on the correlation of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with gestational age among pregnant women will be of immense benefit to the entire Alimosho local government area of Lagos in the sense that it will enable the healthcare personnel to carefully monitor pregnancies with polyhydramnios in other to avoid increased perinatal mortality and morbidity in the country. The study will also encourage expectant mothers to go in for regular anti-natal routine so as to ensure a safe delivery of their baby. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

        The study on the correlation of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with gestational age among pregnant women is limited Alishomo L.G.A Lagos.

1.8   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Correlation     A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.

Amniotic Fluid Index     (AFI) is a quantitative estimate of amniotic fluid and an indicator of fetal well-being.

Gestational Age      Is the common term used during pregnancy to describe how far along the pregnancy is.