Questions?What Is Chorioamnionitis?
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic fluid in the placenta. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chorioamnionitis affects up to 2% of pregnancies, meaning most women will not get it. However, the infection can have serious complications for both the expectant mother and her unborn baby.
When chorioamnionitis infects both the mother and her fetus, the baby will most likely have to be delivered as soon as it is safely possible. Infections that spread to the placenta may result in preterm delivery, increasing the risk of the child developing cerebral palsy (CP).
A study at the University of California at San Francisco found that full-term babies who were exposed to chorioamnionitis in the womb were 4 times more likely to develop cerebral palsy.
If chorioamnionitis is not detected and properly treated, it may spread to the baby’s brain and spine, increasing the risk of meningitis. It can also spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis. Both conditions can be deadly for an infant.
Although chorioamnionitis is sometimes unavoidable, it should be diagnosed and treated before labor and delivery. When the delivery team fails to detect signs and symptoms of neonatal infections, it may be considered medical negligence.
Chorioamnionitis Causes and Risk Factors
Chorioamnionitis is more likely to develop when the amniotic sac breaks earlier than usual before a baby is born. The infection usually starts in the mother’s urinary tract and then moves into the uterus, where the fetus is. Once the amniotic sac is broken, bacteria in the vagina can move into the uterus.
Risk factors that may lead to chorioamnionitis include:
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Epidural anesthesia being used
- Frequent vaginal exams during labor
- Group B strep
- Internal fetal monitoring being performed
- Long labor
- Maternal infections
Chorioamnionitis can escalate quickly once bacteria enter the uterus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to reduce the risk of serious harm to both mother and baby.
Chorioamnionitis Symptoms
There are several common signs and symptoms to look out for, but each case may vary. Additionally, in some cases, there will be no symptoms.
Symptoms of chorioamnionitis may include:
- High temperature
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat for mother and/or fetus
- Soreness or pain in the uterus
- Sweating
- Vaginal discharge with an unusual smell
It is very important to see your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms above. Since many of these symptoms may occur due to other conditions, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment can be critical to your child’s health.
Diagnosing Chorioamnionitis
To diagnose chorioamnionitis, your doctor will ask about your past medical history and current symptoms and perform a physical exam.
To detect the presence of harmful bacteria, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis, which involves using a needle to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid for analysis. A lab test may also be performed to check for infection.
In some cases, a doctor may use an ultrasound to monitor the health of the fetus.
Complications from Chorioamnionitis
Complications of this condition can be very dangerous. One common complication is bacteremia, which is a dangerous blood infection in the mother that can cause the baby to be born early.
Chorioamnionitis is a common cause of both newborn and maternal illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your baby was harmed, you probably have questions, and our registered nurses are here to help.
“We’re here to listen without judgment — you can tell us anything and everything about what happened.”
– Beth Carter, RN, On-Staff Legal Nurse Consultant Certified
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Chorioamnionitis Treatment Options
Treatment for chorioamnionitis varies based on the mother’s symptoms, general health, and age, as well as the severity of the infection.
If a mother is diagnosed with chorioamnionitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to help treat the infection. If a neonatal infection is detected, the fetus will need to be treated with antibiotics as well. Doctors may also advise the mother to deliver her baby early, as this may decrease the risk of complications.
Get Legal Help for Medical Negligence
If your delivery team fails to detect and treat chorioamnionitis before your baby is born, it can result in life-threatening complications to both you and your baby. In these cases, medical negligence may be at play, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Contact the Birth Injury Justice Center to consult with our experienced team of Patient Advocates and learn more about accessing compensation.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review right now.
