How do I know if my amniotic fluid is infected?

Symptoms and Signs of Intra-Amniotic Infection Intra-amniotic infection typically causes fever. Other findings include maternal tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, and/or purulent cervical discharge.

What are the signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the placenta and the amniotic fluid. It happens more often when the amniotic sac is broken for a long time before birth. The major symptom is fever. Other symptoms include a fast heart rate, sore or painful uterus, and amniotic fluid that smells bad.

How does amniotic fluid become infected?

Intra-amniotic infection typically develops because bacteria from the vagina enter the uterus and infect the tissues around the fetus. Normally, mucus in the cervix, the membranes around the fetus, and the placenta prevent bacteria from causing infection.

How is subclinical chorioamnionitis diagnosed?

Subclinical chorioamnionitis, which is defined as inflammation of the placenta without any clinical signs of chorioamnionitis [e.g., high fever, maternal or fetal tachycardia, elevated white blood cell (WBC) count or C-reactive protein (CRP) level, uterine tenderness, and foul odor of amniotic fluid] is seen in 40–70% …

How do you treat chorioamnionitis?

The standard drug treatment in the mother with chorioamnionitis includes ampicillin and an aminoglycoside (ie, usually gentamicin), although clindamycin may be added for anaerobic pathogens.

Can chorioamnionitis affect the baby?

Chorioamnionitis can cause a dangerous blood infection in the mother called bacteremia. This can cause the baby to be born early. It can also cause serious complications in the newborn. This includes infection (such as pneumonia or meningitis), brain damage, or death.

How do you test for chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis is most often diagnosed by physical exam and discussion of the symptoms. Other clues can be found by taking a blood sample from the mother and checking for bacteria. In addition, the doctor might take samples of the amniotic fluid (the fluid around the fetus) to look for bacteria.

What does chorioamnionitis smell like?

(If you can’t tell if you’re leaking amniotic fluid, take the sniff test: Urine smells like ammonia; amniotic fluid has a sweeter smell, or if it’s infected, it’ll have a more foul smell.)

Is chorioamnionitis an indication for C section?

Chorioamnionitis is not considered an absolute indication for cesarean delivery.

What happens if chorioamnionitis goes untreated?

If the mother has a serious case of chorioamnionitis, or if it goes untreated, she might develop complications, including: Infections in the pelvic region and abdomen. Endometritis (an infection of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus) Blood clots in the pelvis and lungs.

How is chorioamnionitis detected?

Signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis may include the following (1): Maternal fever (this is the most important clinical sign of the infection) Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) Hypotension (low blood pressure) Uterine tenderness. Significant maternal tachycardia (heart rate > 120 beats/min.) Fetal tachycardia (heart rate > 160 – 180 beats/min.)

What are the symptoms of an intraamniotic infection?

Suspected intraamniotic infection is based on clinical criteria, which include maternal intrapartum fever and one or more of the following: maternal leukocytosis, purulent cervical drainage, or fetal tachycardia.

Can a fetus be infected with chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis is a serious condition in pregnant women in which the membranes that surround the fetus and the amniotic fluid are infected by bacteria. What is chorioamnionitis? Chorioamnionitis is a condition that can affect pregnant women.

How to test for chorioamnionitis in febrile women?

Tests for febrile pregnant women with suspected chorioamnionitis include complete blood count, C-reactive protein, Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor complex, and serum interleukin-6 levels.