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Background: Oligohydramnios leads to feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Though there is no specific treatment for oligohydramnios, use of L-arginine seems to be promising. As a nitric oxide donor, it causes vasodilatation, increases placental perfusion and finally increases amniotic fluid. However, data on the use of L-arginine for oligohydramnios is scarce. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral L-arginine on Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) and to document the pregnancy outcomes in women with oligohydramnios. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at Results: A total of 50 participants were enrolled and 4 participants among them were lost to follow-up. Mean age (SD) of the women enrolled was 23.3 (3.49) years. Mean gestational age (SD) at the time of diagnosis was 34.61 (1.53) weeks. Mean AFI (SD) at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with L-arginine were 6.8 (1.3) cm and 9.4 (2.82) cm respectively. After a mean treatment duration (SD) of 3.23 (1.38) weeks, a mean (SD) increase of AFI by 2.6 (1.57) cm (P <0.0001) was observed. An increase of AFI was noted in 84.78% of cases (P <0.0001). Mean (SD) Gestational age at the time of delivery was 38.25 (1.48) weeks. Only 37% of participants required operational deliveries. Mean (SD) birth weight of the new borns was 2.54 (0.47) kg. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions were required in 32.6% of new borns. Conclusions: L-arginine is efficacious in improving AFI in oligohydramnios. AFI improvement could possibly lead to better neonatal outcomes by reducing preterm deliveries and operative interventions.

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Background: Understanding and documenting the burden of Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy serves as feedback to realign the ongoing efforts in tackling it. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted with the Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of IDA in pregnancy (2) To determine the factors affecting the choice and the route of administration and (3) To compare the tolerability, efficacy, and adherence of oral and parenteral iron preparations. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in an antenatal clinic at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences from April 1st, 2018 to March 31st, 2019 after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval. Results: IDA was more in multigravida (66.17%). Majority of the participants were anaemic during their 2nd trimester (54.14%). By the time of delivery, 6 (33.33%), 34 (47.22%), and 20 (46.51%) participants enrolled in their first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, showed improved Hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Ferrous Sulphate (90.4%) and Iron Sucrose (98.53%) were the most prescribed oral and parenteral iron preparations, respectively. Among the participants on oral iron therapy, 30.65% had high adherence with Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale and about 20.16% of participants had 100% adherence by pill count. Conclusion: Parenteral iron infusions, though brought about a significant rise in the mean Hb levels of the participants in a shorter time span than oral iron therapy, could not correct their anemic status by the time of their delivery. Almost half of the participants delivered in anemic status. Both the treatment modalities were well tolerated and the majority had good adherence.