Chorioamnionitis is a condition that can affect pregnant women. In this condition, bacteria infect the chorion and amnion (the membranes that surround the fetus) and the amniotic fluid (in which the fetus floats). This can lead to infections in both the mother and fetus. In most cases, this may mean the fetus has to be delivered as soon as possible.
Symptoms:
Although chorioamnionitis does not always cause symptoms, some women with the infection might have the following:
• High temperature and fever
• Rapid heartbeat (the fetus might also have a rapid heartbeat)
• Sweating
• A uterus that is tender to the touch.
• A discharge from the vagina that has an unusual smell.
Causes:
Chorioamnionitis is caused by a bacterial infection that usually starts in the mother’s urogenital tract (urinary tract). Specifically, the infection can start in the vagina, anus, or rectum and move up into the uterus where the fetus is located. Chorioamnionitis occurs in up to 2 percent of births in the United States and is one of the causes of premature delivery.
Treatments:
If your doctor diagnoses chorioamnionitis, he or she may treat you with antibiotics to help treat the infection. However, often the treatment is to deliver the fetus. If the newborn has an infection, he or she will be given antibiotics as well.
