One in 100 pregnant women
are diagnosed with chorioamnionitis,
which is a serious infection
of the amniotic fluid,
fetal membranes and placental
tissues. Chorioamnionitis
is regarded as a major
cause of preterm premature
rupture of membranes (PPROM)
and premature labor.
• Chorioamnionitis is
an inflammation of the
two membranes that surround
the fetus: the chorion
and the amnion and the
maternal membranes (placental
tissues)
• It is more common
in mothers who give birth
prematurely.
• The consequences
are serious: a blood infection
in the mother and a serious
infection in the newborn.
• Organisms responsible
for this infection include
E.coli commonly found
in the vagina.
• Group B strep
is another possible cause.
• When the membranes
rupture for an extended
period of time before
the onset of labor, vaginal
organisms can travel upwards
into the uterus and stir
up an infection.
Symptoms
• In some instances chorioamnionitis
manifests no symptoms,
more so in the beginning.
• The first sign
is an accelerated heart
rate in the mother
• A fever of over
104ËšF develops soon after,
displaying an increased
white blood count (typical
in cases of infection)
• Fetus develops
a rapid heartbeat signaling
danger and score low on
a biophysical profile
(BPP)
• Foul smelling
amniotic fluid if the
amniotic sac ruptures
• If the sac is
intact an unpleasant smelling
vaginal discharge is possible
• A tender and possibly
painful uterus is common
Treatment
• A wide range of
microorganisms are responsible
for chorioamnionitis so
it becomes difficult to
pinpoint the exact cause.
Lab tests are necessary
in suspected cases. Either
the mother or the amniotic
sample will be tested
for infection.
• Treatment also
depends on the health
condition of both mother
and fetus
• Throughout testing
and treatment fetal monitoring
is important
• Antibiotics will
be started which will
continue even after delivery.
• Prompt delivery
(especially if pregnancy
is near term or if the
membranes have ruptured)
is recommended to prevent
complications and/or if
either baby or mother
is in danger
• If the fetus is
immature, large doses
of antibiotics will be
administered with careful
monitoring and delivery
will be postponed until
the fetus is mature enough
• A newborn is treated
with antibiotics and sometimes
scores low on the APGAR
test. There are usually
no long term problems.
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