Chorioamnionitis It is a very rare infection of the placenta (membranes) and amniotic fluid. Although it only affects a small number of women, it is very dangerous. So interested in knowing the causes that cause it and its symptoms, to treat it as soon as possible If it appears.
Why is it dangerous?
It can cause a blood infection in the mother, known as bacteraemia and that could cause premature birth of the baby.
Besides of premature delivery, other consequences are:
Possibility of premature detachment of the placenta, when the placenta separates from the uterine wall.
The chances of having a cesarean section are increased.
The woman is more at risk of bleeding after birth.
In extreme cases, it can cause serious consequences for the baby: cerebral palsy, pneumonia, infection or an important infection at birth.
Causes of placenta infection
Most often it is caused by the bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Group B streptococci.
Chorioamnionitis occurs when the amniotic sac has been broken for a long time, which allows the bacteria in the vagina to rise and enter the uterus.
In Babies and more Verdeliss admitted due to premature rupture of the bag: all about this complication in pregnancyInside the membranes of the amniotic sac or bag is the fluid that surrounds the baby inside the uterus during pregnancy and is vital for its development.
If these membranes are broken, the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is lost, which is left unprotected. At the same time, bacteria from the vagina can reach the uterus.
The one known as 'water breakage' can occur at any time during pregnancy, although the most common is that it occurs spontaneously from the 37th week of gestation. In fact, it is one of the clearest signs that childbirth is just around the corner.
However, in 10% of cases it occurs prematurely. If this is the case, you must go to the emergency department immediately so that the doctors evaluate whether to cause the birth or leave the mother admitted for observation. Thus, a possible chorioamnionitis can be avoided or treated as soon as possible.
In Babies and more When should you go to the emergency room if you are pregnant?What are the symptoms?
They can be different according to each person. Some are:
Fever.
Increased heart rate in both the mother and the fetus. The pregnant woman will have it above 100 beats per minute and the baby of more than 160 beats per minute.
Pain or tenderness in the area of the uterus.
Increase in uterine contractions.
Unpleasant smell, which comes from amniotic fluid.
The symptoms of chorioamnionitis sometimes resemble other conditions or health problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
How is chorioamnionitis diagnosed?
The doctor will ask the mother about her medical history and perform a physical exam.
You may diagnose chorioamnionitis just by knowing the symptoms. It is also possible that the mother needs to have blood tests to detect an infection.
Another possibility is that the doctor advises to perform an amniocentesis to take a sample of the amniotic fluid and analyze it. This test is more invasive, so it will only be done if the oncologist thinks it is essential.
Treatment
The doctor will decide which is the best treatment for the mother and her baby, taking into account:
Your general health and medical history
Gestation time
Severity of infection
The tolerance of women and their child to specific medications, procedures and treatments
The approximate time that the infection is expected to last
Antibiotics are used to treat chorioamnionitis as soon as the infection is detected. The tocologist may advise to advance the delivery to prevent complications to the mother and her baby. The woman may need to take antibiotics after birth.
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