Amnioscopy Revival as a Fetal surveillance tool

Background: This study was carried out to explore whether amnioscopy could help us to management of the uncertain date fetus to differ the prematurity from growth-restriction and assessment of post term pregnancies as well. Notify the meconium staining of amniotic fluid is another aspect of amnioscopy, too. Study Design: This was a descriptive study of 80 pregnant women from 2007 to 2008 at a university hospital, Tehran, Iran. The characteristics of amniotic fluid were documented on admission by inspection with transcervical amnioscopy, in all singleton pregnancies. Data were analyzed statistically. Results: 80 Women were admitted in labor during the study period and fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and had amniotic fluid evaluation available. Three pregnancies were uncertain date that managed according to amnioscope findings. Amniotic fluid were meconium stain in 22.5% (n=18), and were clear 58.7% (n= 47) at amnioscopy and it was confirmed after delivery. Conclusion: This study suggests that amnioscopy is an easy and safe procedure for assessment of amniotic fluid characteristics. It could help us to differ prematurity (with vernix) from growth restriction(with yellowish or meconium staining) . Further analysis will determine its role in the perinatal outcome.