Verified By Apollo Hospitals October 1, 2024
Chorioamnionitis is a severe health condition in pregnant women. This condition occurs when bacteria infect the membranes that surround the fetus and also affect the amniotic fluid. If left untreated, chorioamnionitis can cause severe complications in the mother and baby.
This blog is a comprehensive understanding of chorioamnionitis, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, complications, and treatment.
Chorioamnionitis is a severe bacterial infection that affects the chorion, amnion, and amniotic fluid around the fetus. The condition can develop before or during labour. The condition may cause preterm birth or cause severe infections in women and children. It is important to note that it is most commonly seen in preterm births and 2 to 4 per cent of full-term deliveries.
Though chorioamnionitis does not always cause symptoms, some women with this condition may experience:
If the membranes rupture, women must seek medical help immediately. The other symptoms that require urgent medical care include:
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Chorioamnionitis is caused due to an infection that can occur when the bacteria usually present in the vagina move up into the uterus, where the fetus is situated. The most common causes of chorioamnionitis are E. coli, group B streptococci, and anaerobic bacteria.
The risk factors for developing chorioamnionitis increase if women:
When women have one or more of these risk factors, they are likely to develop chorioamnionitis.
This is a medical emergency.
When women are suffering from a severe case of chorioamnionitis, or if it is left untreated, they can develop complications, including:
Babies born with chorioamnionitis are also in danger of severe complications:
If a pregnant woman experiences any of the above complications, immediately seeking medical assistance helps in the overall health of the mother and child.
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The doctors immediately treat patients with chorioamnionitis to prevent fever, reduce recovery time, and decrease the risk of infection to the baby. Antibiotics are the most commonly used medications to treat this condition, usually administered through an IV and continued until the delivery or the infection is cleared. Doctors can prescribe some of the following antibiotics:
If a woman develops an infection during labour, the doctors administer antibiotics until delivery. The doctor may deliver the baby by caesarean section . The treatment for the baby begins as soon as the baby is born.
Chorioamnionitis is preventable. However, there are chances to develop it even after taking preventive measures. The following are some of the preventive measures:
It is crucial for women to have theor antenatal checks with their doctor and have their questions and concerns addressed so that they can enjoy a healthy, complication-free pregnancy, and delivery.
The prognosis for women suffering from chorioamnionitis is excellent in the long run if detected and treated early . In rare cases, future fertility may be compromised.
The prognosis for babies born to infected women is also generally good .However, some newborns, especially preterm babies, may have long-term complications such as lung disease or impaired brain function.
The doctor can diagnose chorioamnionitis by performing a physical examination. They can also ask for blood culture and urine tests to check for bacteria in the body. A complete blood count (CBC) test examines the white blood cell count and looks for other markers. Amniocentesis can be required . Doctors remove a tiny amount of amniotic fluid for testing to perform this prenatal test.
Chorioamnionitis is also called ‘amnionitis’ and ‘intra-amniotic infection.