Pronounced: Cho-ri-O-am-NI-o-ni-tis
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection. It occurs in the membranes that surround the fetus. These membranes are called the chorion and the amnion. It is also an infection of the amniotic fluid. This fluid surrounds the fetus and protects it.
This can be a very serious condition. It requires special care from your doctor. A pregnant woman will need to deliver her baby immediately. This is for the welfare of both the mother and the baby.
Bacterial infections causes this condition. Infection may begin in the mother’s genital tract. Bacteria then moves up to the fetal membranes. It then moves into the amniotic sac and its fluid. There it can then pass to the fetus. Many types of bacteria may cause this infection.
The following factors increase your chance of developing chorioamnionitis:
Some symptoms include the following:
The infection is diagnosed by the symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may also include the following:
Antibiotics should begin as soon as an infection is found. It may be held off if the mother is about to deliver her baby.
The baby will need to be delivered. A cesarean section (c-section) may be needed if:
The antibiotics will be given. They will be delivered directly into a vein by IV. Antibiotics may include a combination of:
After delivery, the baby will be watched for infection. They will be looked after by specialists. A neonatologists only works with newborns. The baby may receive antibiotics. The baby will also be observed for 48 hours.
To help reduce your chances of developing chorioamnionitis, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
Infections and Pregnancy: National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.medical.org/
References:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal disease. MMWR . 2002;51(No. RR-11):13-15.
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The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3857.asp?index=12309 .
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Gabbe S, Niebyl J, Simpson JL, eds. Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 4th ed. Oxford, UK: Churchill Livingstone, Inc.; 2002.
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Group B strep infection. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1205.asp . Accessed August 14, 2005.
Protect your baby from group B strep! Centers for Disease Control website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/groupBstrep/prevention_spot/ . Accessed August 15, 2005.
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Last reviewed January 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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