Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the two membranes of the placenta, the chorion and the amnion, as well as the amniotic fluid. In some cases, the condition can cause a blood infection in the mother and the baby. This condition is very serious and requires immediate treatment.
Chorioamnionitis occurs in about two percent of all pregnancies. E Coli and Group B strep are the most common causes of the infection. In most cases, the water breaking allows the organisms to make their way into the uterus.
Symptoms Include:
* Fever
* Bad odor in the fluid
* Pain in the uterus
* A high white blood cell count
* Increased heart rate in mom and baby
The risks to the baby increase the longer it has been since the water has broken, so it’s important to get this condition diagnosed quickly. The symptoms can mimic other medical conditions, which makes diagnosis a bit tricky.
Several tests are done to diagnose chorioamnionitis. A physical examination will be performed as well as lab tests to diagnose infection. In some cases, an amniocentesis will be done. An ultrasound or a biophysical profile may be done to check the health of the baby.
In nearly all cases, the baby will need to be delivered as soon as possible. The longer the baby remains in the uterus, the more danger the infection poses to her. Generally, labor is induced. If this doesn’t work fairly quickly or the baby seems to be in distress, a c section may be performed.
Antibiotics are generally given intravenously to the mother as soon as the condition is diagnosed. The baby won’t get enough antibiotics from the mother. When the baby is born, he will be given antibiotics as well to help fight the infection.
The prognosis for the baby depends largely on how far along the mother is in the pregnancy. If the baby is near term, or not too premature, the baby will most likely respond well to treatment. If the baby is very premature or the infection is very far along, there is a greater chance of complications.
Some of the complications of chorionamnionitis include sepsis, meningitis and respiratory failure. In some cases, the newborn will suffer from chronic lung disease. The baby may require additional time in the hospital to be treated for the infection as well as complications. If the baby is born too early, she may not survive. This is often due to prematurity, rather than the infection.
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Prenatal Testing: Amniocentesis